Washington man arrested following high-speed chase through Island City
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
Island City – Assets from the Union County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Oregon State Police in apprehending a Washington man following an attempted elusion and subsequent police chase on the afternoon of Thursday, October 19.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, a blue Honda was initially reported as eluding police in Baker County before heading toward Union County. Reports state the vehicle was driving in excess of 100 mph and was unable to maintain lanes. As the Honda approached La Grande and Island City along I-84, assets from the Union County Sheriff’s Department and La Grande Police Department were set up at several exits but the Honda was able to enter Island City via Exit 261.
After departing the highway, the vehicle then proceeded down Island Avenue at high speed, where city units terminated their role in the pursuit. Oregon State Police and the Sheriff’s Office continued their pursuit as the Honda left Island City and entered onto Highway 237. A pursuit vehicle was eventually able to pit maneuver the Honda, forcing it into a ditch near milepost 1.
After stopping, Troopers and Deputies were able to hold the driver at gunpoint and take him into custody. The driver was later identified as Tino Sabala of Tacoma Washington. He is currently being held on charges of Attempt to Elude- Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering, and Trafficking in Stolen Vehicles- Destroyed/Altered VIN. Traffic was briefly delayed along highway 237 as law enforcement dealt with the situation.
The Sheriff’s Office also stated that the Oregon State Police were the primary agency involved in the chase. Elkhorn Media Group has reached out to the OSP for additional information however we have not received a response at the time of writing.
