California Man who Escaped from OSP Trooper Could be Headed to Salem

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5'9", 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Pedro Lopez Cruz Photo: Oregon State Police

(ASHLAND, Ore. ) - A 20-year old California man who ran on foot from an Oregon State Police trooper during a Friday morning traffic stop on Interstate 5 about three miles south of Ashland is now wanted on felony Marijuana-related charges.

OSP has not located the suspect who is believed to have been headed to the Salem area, and is asking for the public's help with information to locate him.

On April 13th, at approximately 7:00 AM an OSP trooper stopped a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Oregon license plates northbound Interstate 5 near milepost 10.

During the stop, the driver, 20-year-old Pedro Lopez Cruz, from California, fled on foot east from the freeway.

Cruz was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and baggy blue jeans.

He is described as a Hispanic male, 5'9", 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Oregon State Police troopers and drug enforcement detectives obtained a search warrant Friday for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and discovered approximately 21 pounds of marijuana inside.

There is no information to indicate Cruz is armed but OSP does have probable cause to arrest him for felony drug-related charges and misdemeanor attempt to elude.

Cruz may be on foot attempting to walk from the area or obtaining to catch a ride from a passing motorist.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP Southern Command Center dispatch at (541) 664-4600.