March 4, 2025 10:10 a.m.

Roseburg Police jailed a fugitive after an escape incident on Monday.

An RPD report said officers saw 37-year-old Richard Benefiel walking through the parking lot of a business in the 3000 block of Northwest Aviation Drive and knew he had warrants for his arrest. Officers contacted Benefiel; and he immediately took off running. A foot pursuit reportedly ensued though the parking lot of a business and behind the building of a second business, where the man jumped the fence towards the freeway.

Other officers responding were able to locate Benefiel in a nearby culvert under the freeway. He was taken into custody. Benefiel was also allegedly found to be in possession of 3.85 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

He was lodged on 13 charges including several warrants, second-degree escape, and for unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Beneficial was detained on $80,000 bail.