Second Vehicle Sought After Hampton Arrest in Springfield Chase




SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — Springfield police arrested Oregon wide receiver Messiah Hampton on Oct. 30 in connection with a high-speed vehicle pursuit that occurred nearly two weeks earlier, according to a department statement.

At approximately 4 a.m. on Oct. 18, Springfield officers became involved in a pursuit of speeding vehicles that began in the west Centennial area. Police terminated the chase. The incident is separate from a DUII arrest of Evan Stewart that occurred later that morning.

Detectives continued investigating the felony-level case. As the probe advanced, they developed probable cause to arrest Hampton. He was taken into custody on the afternoon of Oct. 30 and booked into Lane County Jail under case number 26-6614. (Evan Stewart's case number was 26-6615)

Hampton faces one count of eluding police by vehicle, a felony, and one count of reckless driving.

Police said additional details are being withheld while the investigation continues into the identity of a second vehicle involved in the Oct. 18 pursuit.

Hampton was not scheduled to play against Northwestern today (Oct. 31). Hampton has not played since Oct. 17th.

Here is a quick rundown of Duck football players alleged incidents since, or on Oct. 18th.

  1. Evan Stewart (WR) — Arrested in the early morning of October 18 in Springfield on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII). He was also cited for driving while suspended. As of late October, no formal DUII complaint had been filed (prosecutors were still reviewing evidence), but the driving-while-suspended matter remained active.
  2. Jamari Johnson (TE) — Cited for a Class A speeding violation (violation of designated speed limit) at approximately 3:51 a.m. on October 18 in Springfield. This was a traffic citation carrying a standard fine; police stated he was not involved in the separate high-speed pursuit that occurred around the same time.
  3. Messiah Hampton (WR) — Arrested on October 30 and booked on two felony counts of attempting to elude police and one misdemeanor count of reckless driving. The charges stem from a high-speed chase involving two vehicles in the early morning hours of October 18 (shortly after the Nebraska game). He was identified as the driver of one of those vehicles; the second driver had not been publicly identified as of the latest reports. He was released the same day.

No other current Oregon football players appear in public reports of arrests, citations, or charges in 2026. (Note: Running backs coach/assistant Ra’Shaad Samples faced DUII and related charges earlier in the year in April, but that involves staff rather than a player.) Information from SPD and public records

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© Written by: M. Weber

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