June 16, 2023 10:40 a.m.

A motorcyclist escaped authorities during a pursuit by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.

A DCSO report said just after 6:30 p.m. a deputy was headed southbound on Highway 38 near Upper Smith River Road in the Drain area.

The deputy observed a new motorcycle traveling northbound at a high rate of speed. Radar showed that the motorcycle was going 106 miles per hour. The deputy turned around and attempted to overtake the motorcycle. He caught up to the motorcycle on Interstate 5 northbound near the Curtin/Lorane exit as it was allegedly going 120 miles per hour. Though the deputy had the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights and sirens activated, the motorcycle accelerated its speed and eluded the deputy.

The deputy pursued the motorcycle toward Cottage Grove. The pursuit was terminated at Highway 99 and Lathem Street, just south of Cottage Grove. Speeds during the pursuit averaged 100 miles per hour.

The deputy canvassed the area but could not find the rider or the bike. The case remains under investigation.