CCSO Arrests Fleeing Federal Fugitive that Crashed into Gladstone Residence

PHOTO: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

(GLADSTONE, Ore.) - On Friday, October 15, 2010 at 1:16 p.m. a Clackamas County Sheriff's Deputy witnessed a Volvo moving recklessly at the intersection of SE River Road and McLoughlin Boulevard, in Gladstone.

After a high-speed pursuit was initiated by the fleeing suspect he crashed into a residence, fled the scene of the crash on foot, and was soon apprehended at gunpoint by a Clackamas County Deputy Sheriff. This suspect was later discovered to be a federal fugitive with a significant arrest warrant and criminal history.

At 3:16 p.m. a Clackamas County Sheriff's (CCSO) Deputy observed a Volvo slide into the busy intersection of SE McLoughlin Boulevard and SE River Road, in Gladstone.

This Deputy Sheriff activated his emergency lights and witnessed the offending Volvo accelerate rapidly as it traveled north on SE River Road in an effort to elude. The Deputy indicates that as soon as the emergency lights were activated on his patrol vehicle, the Volvo accelerated to at least 80 mph and wanton disregard for any traffic control devices. While attempting to elude this Deputy, the fleeing Volvo was forcing most vehicles – in both the north and southbound lanes of travel – off the roadway.

This relatively short pursuit traveled north on SE River Road, east onto Glen Echo, continued east across McLoughlin Blvd and terminated when the Volvo lost control crashing into the side of a residence at 3:25 p.m.

As the pursuing Deputy arrived at the address of 315 SE Nelson Lane, he witnessed the crashed vehicle into the side of the home and the suspect driver climbing out of the wrecked Volvo and fled on foot.

Only minutes later, at 3:24 p.m., another Clackamas County Civil Deputy located the fleeing suspect attempting to hide near a recreation vehicle parked in the area. Finally, without further incident, this suspect was successfully apprehended and secured at gunpoint. A subsequent search of the crashed vehicle into the residence revealed an assortment of burglary type tools, suspected drugs and paraphernalia, and believed stolen items of value. (Photos Attached)

With good fortune, no one was home at the time of crash. No injuries reported.

This suspect was medically evaluated at the scene and later transported to a local Portland hospital where he was treated for minor injuries sustained in the crash. These injuries are common with airbag and steering wheel related incidents.

Initially, this suspect was evasive with Deputies and not forthcoming with his true name. Eventually, later at the hospital this person provided Deputies with his correct name. This person is identified as Lester Dane Blanton, 28, of Seattle. Blanton is wanted by federal authorities for an existing drug related weapons charge. (Photo Attached)

In addition to this federal arrest warrant, the investigating Clackamas County Deputy Sheriff involved in this most recent event today, transported and lodged Blanton in the Clackamas County Jail with the following charges identified as:

• Reckless Driving – four counts
• Attempt to elude in a vehicle
• Attempt to elude on foot
• Hit and run – property
• Possession of a controlled substance – meth
• Distribution of a controlled substance – meth
• Burglary in the second-degree
Criminal mischief in the third-degree
• Theft by receiving
• U.S. Marshall hold – no bail

Blanton is scheduled to appear for his arraignment on these matters on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in Clackamas County Circuit Court, in Oregon City. [END]

TIPS SOUGHT
Anyone with information concerning this crime is encouraged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office's confidential Tip Line -- by phone at 503-723-4949, or by using the online e-mail form.

Please reference Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Case #10-31889.

The public can also submit crime-tip text messages to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office from a cell phone. All users have to do is send a text message to CRIMES (274637 on your phone keypad) -- with the keyword CCSO as the first word in the message body. Important reminder: Please do not send emergency messages using the text-messaging system -- in case of an emergency, call 911.

Car Crash Photo: Gladstone Oregon Fugitive Car Crash