Police arrested a 48-year-old man early Tuesday, Feb. 12, following a brief pursuit.
At approximately 4:31 a.m., a Sweet Home police officer observed a vehicle traveling without the use of headlights in the 1000 block of Main Street, said Police Chief Jeff Lynn. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 228.
When the officer activated the emergency lights on the patrol vehicle, the vehicle, a blue BMW accelerated and turned south onto Highway 228, Lynn said. The vehicle then lost control and left the roadway damaging landscaping and a street sign.
The vehicle re-entered the roadway and continued west on Highway 228 reaching speeds of 90 mph, Lynn said. After leaving the city limits, the vehicle went out of control near Valley View Lane, leaving the roadway and striking a tree where it came to a stop.
Officers arrested Guy Richard Tagen, 48, at the scene, Lynn said. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance personnel responded to the location for Tagen, who complained of injury. Tagen was not transported by medics.
The vehicle, a 2003 BMW, had been reported as stolen the previous day to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Tagen was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer; hit and run, property damage; reckless driving; and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He also had three outstanding warrants.
Two warrants were out of the Albany Municipal Court for failure to appear on original charge of second-degree criminal trespass and the third was out of the Oregon State Parole Board for parole violation for dangerous drugs. He also was cited for driving while suspended.
Tagen was transported to the Sweet Home Police Department where he was booked and then transported to the Linn County Jail.