September 5, 2019 4:40 a.m.
A Medford man has been arrested after a 9-mile high speed chase which took place Wednesday night on Interstate Five.
Detective Kevin Taggert of the Myrtle Creek Police said at about 9:45 p.m. a car driven by 25-year old Ronald Brown was reported to be leaving Canyonville and headed north on the freeway. Brown had warrants for his arrest and an officer was able to pull up next to the vehicle and determine that he was the driver.
Taggart said the officer initiated a stop but Brown took off, reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour. A deputy from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was able to successfully spike strip the car about a mile south of the Winston exit. The vehicle lost 3 tires and eventually stopped while still in the fast lane of the freeway at the Winston exit.
Taggart said that Brown ran from the vehicle and crossed the freeway into the southbound lanes, nearly being hit by a passing vehicle. The suspect finally gave up when he was surrounded by authorities.
Brown was charged with attempting to elude in a vehicle and on foot, for reckless driving, reckless endangering, for unlawful possession of methamphetamine and for the warrants. He was detained without bail and taken to the Douglas County Jail.
A 36-year old female passenger in the vehicle was held for a probation violation.