Deputies Pursue Suspects Near Stayton (VIDEO)

A deputy involved in the reported chase says the pursuit reached speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.

Photo and video by Jerry Freeman Salem-News.com

(STAYTON, OR) - Today at about 11:00 a.m. deputies following up on several burglary investigations in south Marion County came across a silver Honda Civic that they believed may be connected to their investigation near Jefferson.

Kickstarter Coffee Stand in Stayton

When Deputy Derrick Ramseyer attempted to stop the vehicle for a traffic violation, the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed toward the City of Stayton. As Deputy Ramseyer pursued the vehicle, he radioed for additional help from Deputies with the Sheriff's Office and Officers from the Stayton Police Department.

According to Deputy Ramseyer, prior to reaching Stayton the pursuit reached speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. As the vehicle came into Stayton, it slowed and that is when Cheyenne Moore age 32 of Dallas, ran from the vehicle.

Other pursuing officers quickly arrested Ms. Moore while Deputy Ramseyer resumed the pursuit of the vehicle. Shortly after resuming the pursuit, Stayton Police successfully deployed spike strips against the vehicle, flattening three of its tires.

Despite deflating tires, the male driver later identified as Jerry Simpson age 29 of Dallas, continued to elude deputies. Finally Mr. Simpson came to a stop behind the Dollar Tree in the 900 block of North 1st Street.

This is where deputies and officers began chasing Mr. Simpson on foot and through backyards until they lost sight of him. Thanks to citizens outside in their yards, Deputy Ramseyer was able to determine that Mr. Simpson had run into the front door of a residence in the 900 block of N. Birch Street.

After several tense minutes, deputies, officers and a K9 officer from Salem Police were able to convince Mr. Simpson to exit the residence and surrender peacefully. In an effort to thwart his arrest, Mr. Simpson changed into clothing from inside of the residence that he was hiding in and denied being the driver of the speeding vehicle. Deputies later entered the residence and found Mr. Simpson's clothing that he was wearing during the pursuit hidden inside of a closet.

Witness Judy Shockey from "Kickstart Coffee Stand" in Stayton

It is believed that Mr. Simpson is an acquaintance of the homeowner, however there is no evidence that leads deputies to believe that the homeowner aided Mr. Simpson in his attempted escape from arrest.

A later search of the vehicle turned up methamphetamine, drug packaging, scales, prescription narcotics, marijuana and over $1300.00 cash. The investigation into Mr. Simpson and Ms. Moore is ongoing and it is unknown at this time if they will face any additional charges.

Mr. Simpson and Ms. Moore are currently lodged at the Marion County Jail. Ms. Simpson is facing charges of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine and Parole Violation. Mr. Simpson has a Warrant for Parole Violation, Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Criminal Trespass in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Possession of Burglary Tools and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine.

- News release from the Marion County Sheriff's Office

Jerry Freeman is part of a new generation of dedicated news photographers who entered the Internet news industry as a second career. He shares in common with many people who fulfilled their life dream of becoming a visual journalist. Joining the Navy at an early age, and the Oregon Army Guard a few years later, Jerry has a wide range of life experiences. He describes himself as “a truck driver with a new found passion to bear witness to the world’s events.”

Teaming up with Salem-News.com he embarked on a new career as a video news photographer and reporter. Jerry's quick exhibition of natural talent and ability to shoot breaking news led to his becoming a published member of the Salem-News.com team.