Motorcycle Chase Leads to Arrest Near Donald

Local residents direct a deputy to a chase suspect who apparently thought he was in the clear.

Photo of motorcycle police say was involved in chase. Photo courtesy: Senior Deputy Jeff Nicoloff

(DONALD, Ore.) - A Marion County deputy says he is grateful to members of the Donald community for assisting him in locating a motorcycle rider that he says gave chase at speeds up to 114 MPH.

According to Sgt. Kristin Knutson with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, it was around 7:30 AM when Senior Deputy Jeff Nicoloff observed a motorcycle traveling eastbound on Yergen Rd NE, at 112 MPH.

"Nicoloff activated his lights, at which point the suspect sped up to 114 MPH as the deputy attempted to overtake the motorcycle, the driver turned into the town of Donald, passing vehicles, ignoring stop signs, and proceeding down gravel roads."

The cyclist had lost pursuing officers at that point, and apparently backed off thinking he was in the clear.

"Thinking he had lost the deputy, he stopped briefly, but the deputy, with the help of local residents pointing the direction of the speeding motorcycle was able to locate the operator as he was dismounting the motorcycle behind a residence in the 20000 block of Matthieu Rd NE."

Knutson says Deputy Nicoloff is assigned to the Traffic Safety Team, assigned as the Aggressive Driving Program.

"Senior Deputy Nicoloff would like to convey his thanks to the citizens of Donald, as without their assistance, the suspect likely would have not been apprehended," Knutson said.

The bike rider, 19-year old Tyler A. Wall of Canby, Oregon, was charged with: Attempt to Elude and Reckless Driving, along with the violations of: 114mph in a 55, and fail to obey a Traffic Control Device. His motorcycle was towed and he was placed under arrest. Wall was transported to the Marion County Jail.