Reckless Driver Eludes Deputies, Arrested Following Investigation

Lane County, Or. - On February 29th, a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to the McKenzie District observed a white Mercedes SUV driving at a high rate of speed west on McKenzie Highway.  

The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle only accelerated.  Due to the high rate of speed, the deputy continued following, but did not attempt to catch up.  Deputies, Springfield Police Officers, and a Eugene Police Officer who was passing through the area all responded.  Spike strips were placed on possible roads the suspect could take.  

A deputy soon observed the vehicle driving west on Camp Creek Road, still at a very high rate of speed.  He deployed the spikes, disabling the front two tires of the vehicle.  An area resident then called in the suspect vehicle driving on front rims on a side street.  Deputies searched the area, but due in part to the time delay, were unable to locate the driver.  They were, however, able to identify him as Robert Fraser Stewart of Springfield.  

Stewart was on probation for an Elude by Vehicle conviction.  On March 1st, Stewart was arrested by the McKenzie District Deputy and lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges of Elude by Vehicle, Elude by Foot, Reckless Driving, and Driving While Suspended – Misdemeanor.  

The Lane County Sheriff's Office would like to remind any would-be reckless drivers and eluders that you still cannot outrun a radio, and their deputies are very thorough investigators.  

LCSO also wants to thank Springfield Police, Eugene Police, and especially the observant resident who called in the vehicle.

Information from LCSO's Facebook

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