A Salem-area man was arrested Tuesday, June 8, following a 10-minute police pursuit through Albany that resulted in multiple crashes and, finally, an extrication from his own vehicle.
According to the Albany Police Department, police were called to a 7-Eleven at Belmont Ave. SW for a male, later identified as 24-year-old Grant Tyler Rasband, acting suspicious. His vehicle description matched one stolen and involved in a Linn County robbery reported earlier that day.
Police attempted to contact Rasband, who fled and engaged police in a long chase through the city. Police said he struck a Fed Ex delivery vehicle at the intersection of Salem Ave. and Geary St., then hit two others, a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser and a 1984 Isuzu pickup before coming to a stop in the Stop-n-Go parking lot. All involved vehicles were towed from the scene.
Rasband’s vehicle suffered major damage and he had to be extricated by Albany Fire Department personnel. He was the only person in the multiple-collision incident who was transported to a local hospital.
The extent of his injuries were unknown. Albany Police are remaining with Rasband during his evaluation. He is in custody for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. second-degree burglary, reckless driving, elude and criminal mischief.
Robbery charges are pending as the Linn County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation. The Oregon State Police is investigating the crash.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Albany Police at (541) 917-7680.