State Trooper Catches Suspect After Nearly Mile Long Chase

OSP trooper arrests Madras man following chase, after he reportedly attempted to hide in a muddy canal near Madras.

29-year old Gilberto Rivera-Villarreal of Madras Photo: Oregon State Police

(MADRAS, Ore.) - An Oregon State Police trooper arrested a Madras-area man Friday morning on multiple charges after he crashed into a guardrail and then fled on foot while being interviewed, Sergeant Paul Collinsworth with Oregon State Police in Bend said.

"The trooper chased the man on foot for about one mile before it ended and he was caught trying to hide in a muddy empty canal. Charges included DUII and Failing to Register as a Sex Offender."

Collinsworth says it happened January 1, 2010, at about 11:00 a.m.

"OSP Trooper Jed Rzegocki responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 97 approximately four miles south of Madras. Investigation revealed that 29-year old Gilberto Rivera-Villarreal of Madras, was operating a 1998 Honda Accord when he lost control and struck a guardrail.

"While being interviewed by the trooper and his involvement in the crash, Rivera-Villarreal fled on foot," Collinsworth said.

He tried to elude the trooper on foot for approximately 3/4 of a mile to a mile, through several farm fields, according to reports. Collinsworth said, "His attempt to avoid arrest ended next to an empty canal as he attempted to hide in some mud."

Rivera-Villarreal was taken into custody by Rzegocki and lodged at the Jefferson County Jail on charges of DUII, Reckless Driving, four counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, ID Theft, first-degree Forgery, Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude on Foot, Fail to Perform Initial Sex Offender Registration and Fail to Perform Annual Sex Offender Registration.