A Sweet Home woman was arrested Wednesday evening, March 18, after allegedly atempting to elude a Sheriff’s deputy during a chase that started on Highway 228 and moved on to Upper Calapooia Drive, Sheriff Michelle Duncan reported Friday.
According to Duncan, a deputy, who was not identified by the Sheriff, was traveling east at approximately 7:42 p.m. on Highway 228 near First Avenue in Sweet Home observed an oncoming vehicle, a grey 2010 grey Mazda 3, which passed the deputy at a high rate of speed with no lights on. Duncan said the deputy saw the Mazda cross over into the oncoming lane and continue at a high rate of speed, still without lights.
The deputy activated emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop and, according to Duncan, the Mazda failed to stop and continued driving in the oncoming lane. Recognizing that the Mazda was posing a danger to the public before and after initiating the traffic stop, the deputy began pursuing the vehicle. During the pursuit, the Mazda continued to enter the opposite lane of travel around blind corners and on blind hills, still without lights, Duncan said.
As the vehicle continued, it forced three other vehicles off the roadway, nearly causing a collision, she said. The deputy was unable to stop and identify the drivers of the vehicles that were forced off the roadway and continued to pursue the Mazda, as it posed a danger to the public.
The pursuit continued onto Upper Calapooia Drive, where the Mazda finally stopped in the middle of the road.
The driver, identified as Rachel Adams, 32 of Sweet Home, was taken into custody without further incident.
The deputy determined that Adams showed signs of impairment. She was transported to Linn County Jail, where a search warrant was obtained for a breath sample. Duncan said Adams blew a .20% BAC, over twice the legal limit.
She was lodged at the Linn County Jail for fleeing or attempting to elude, a felony, DUII and reckless driving.
Drivers of the vehicles that were forced off the roadway on Wednesday evening are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (541)-967-3950 to provide additional information.
“Their statements are valuable to the investigation,” Duncan said.