A traffic stop on U.S. Highway 101 became an armed pursuit Monday afternoon, with deputies chasing a Jeep Wrangler through South Beach and Waldport before a patrol vehicle collision brought it to a stop.
The driver, identified as 32-year-old Waldport resident Demar Jabary Soto, allegedly waved a handgun from the Jeep and fired shots south of Patterson State Park, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. No deputies or members of the public were injured, officials said, though traffic was diverted while investigators processed the scene.
Jeep continued south after deputy activated emergency lights
At about 12:36 p.m., a deputy observed a gray Jeep Wrangler traveling southbound in the center lane near milepost 143 in South Beach. The deputy activated emergency lights, but the Jeep continued toward Waldport instead of stopping.
Investigators said the driver later attempted to turn around near Highway 101 and Southwest Whitecap Drive, then continued south through Waldport. Deputies deployed spike strips near milepost 153, but the pursuit ended near milepost 158 when a patrol vehicle struck the Jeep and stopped it.
Soto was taken into custody without further incident and transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital for medical evaluation before being lodged in the Lincoln County Jail. The sheriff's office said Oregon State Police is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Driver faces multiple charges after pursuit
The sheriff's office said Soto was charged with attempting to elude a police officer, attempted assault on a police officer, attempted Assault I, unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving, criminal mischief I and disorderly conduct.
Under Oregon's menacing statute, the offense involves intentionally attempting to place another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury, while reckless endangering covers conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury. The state's fleeing and eluding law makes the offense a Class C felony when a driver knowingly flees in the vehicle after being signaled to stop.
The listed charges are allegations, not convictions. Southbound Highway 101 traffic was diverted onto Southwest Range Drive, South Crestline Drive and Southwest Wakonda Beach Road, with northbound traffic routed through the same area in the opposite direction, according to the sheriff's office.
Another high-speed Highway 101 pursuit happened this year
The chase is the second widely reported high-risk Highway 101 pursuit in Lincoln County this year. In January, a driver identified as Jonathan Grimm allegedly sped through a construction zone, Newport and Seal Rock at speeds approaching 100 mph before being arrested, as reported by KPTV.
The latest investigation remains active, but the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said the incident posed no further risk to the community.
