A high-speed chase that commenced in Washington state and ended dramatically when a vehicle plunged into the Columbia River resulted in the arrest of a Longview man. 27-year-old Jaden James Hays was apprehended on Monday night following a pursuit that escalated to dangerous speeds. Hays was wanted on multiple charges, including robbery and assault stemming from an incident on June 25, as reported by NCWLIFE.
The pursuit was initiated when officers spotted a black Volkswagen associated with Hays at Miller's Market in Longview. Before he was seen attempting to swim away after crashing into the water, reaching speeds up to 120 mph while fleeing, the chase crossed the state line, leading officers over the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Oregon, as per NCWLIFE. Hays, having driven his vehicle into the river at a location just beyond a Safeway store, was eventually coaxed back to dry land by law enforcement.
According to KPTV, spike strips were deployed by Columbia County Sheriff's Office deputies, which were instrumental in bringing the vehicle to a halt before it met its aquatic fate. After his detention, Hays was booked into the Columbia County Jail facing several suspected charges.
"Sgt. Anthony Bosworth of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office told The Daily News the suspect's car drove straight through into the river," complicating the effort for officers to detain Hays, as stated by NCWLIFE. Nonetheless, after a brief aquatic escape attempt, the suspect surrendered. Currently awaiting extradition to Longview, Hays faces charges which include felony eluding, resisting arrest, and reckless driving.
