Salem man arrested near Oregon/Idaho border following 71-mile pursuit

By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

PAYETTE COUNTY – Idaho State Police report that, on the morning of Monday, January 19, multiple agencies engaged in a 71-mile pursuit of a Salem Oregon man along I-84 from Elmore County. The pursuit eventually ended in Payette County, around 9 miles east of Ontario. The full press release from Idaho State Police is as follows:

“On Monday, January 19, 2026, at 11:57 A.M., Idaho State Police (ISP), with the assistance of multiple local agencies, pursued a vehicle for 71-miles on I84.

The pursuit began westbound on I84 at mile marker 80, in Elmore County, when an ISP trooper initiated a traffic stop with a Toyota Highlander. The driver failed to stop and eluded police traveling at speeds over 100 miles per hour and navigating around several sets of spike strips. The pursuit came to a stop on I84 at mile marker 9, in Payette County, when after a successful spike, the driver swerved and the Toyota crashed into the median.

The driver, a 29-year-old man from Salem, Oregon, was taken into custody and charged with felony eluding, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, and an outstanding felony warrant.

This incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.”