August 14, 2025 10:20 a.m.  

A California man was jailed following a lengthy police chase on Wednesday night.

A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office report said just before 9:00 p.m. a deputy attempted to stop a motorcyclist for traffic violations on Interstate 5 northbound near the summit of Roberts Mountain. The motorcyclist eluded the deputy for close to 20 miles, at which point the pursuit was terminated.

A citizen reported seeing the motorcyclist attempting to hide his bike and himself at a business in the 1200 block of West Central Avenue in Sutherlin. Sutherlin Police responded, located the man and took him into custody.

The man was found to be in possession of a handgun, brass knuckles and a small amount of methamphetamine.

He was identified as 40-year-old Robert Wheeler of Crescent City, Wheeler was charged with attempting to elude police in a vehicle, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of a restricted weapon, reckless driving, and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. He was detained without bail.