DEPUTIES SEEK FUGITIVE FOLLOWING SATURDAY PURSUIT

October 3, 2022 4:00 a.m. 

Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are seeking a fugitive following a pursuit Saturday evening.

A DCSO report said just after 6:40 p.m. a deputy observed a pickup pass through the intersection of Cedar Street and Third Street in Yoncalla several times, while committing multiple traffic violations. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and got out of his vehicle to contact the driver. However, the pickup quickly took off and the pursuit ensued.

The report said the deputy followed the driver for approximately thirty miles, traveling south on Rice Valley Road, before turning onto Panther Creek Road and eventually getting onto Gallagher Canyon Road. The driver eventually came to Highway 138W where spike strips were deployed and were successful in hitting at least one tire. Units continued to follow the pickup but the pursuit was eventually terminated.

Deputies believe the driver was 29-year old Billy Wells. Wells is wanted in connection with several other incidents as well. Anyone with information on Wells whereabouts is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.