McMinnville Man Charged with Eluding Police in Van Duzer Corridor

Jose Avila Del Rayo Photo: Yamhill COunty Sheriff

(McMINNVILLE) - A McMinnville man was arrested early Monday morning after a police pursuit, charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and driving 109 mile per hour in a Safety Corridor.

30-year old Jose Avila Del Rayo of McMinnville, was also charged with Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, and Reckless Driving.

Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree said that his Deputy saw Del Rayo at 12:41 AM, traveling westbound on Highway 18 near Deer Creek Road.

The Deputy says his mobile radar unit showed that Del Rayo’s 1998 Volkswagen Passat was traveling at 109 mph.

As the Deputy caught up to the Volkswagen, its speed increased to 110 mph. ALlegedly refusing to yield, the vehicle twice crossed the highway center line before stopping near the Highway 18B interchange.

“There is never a justifiable reason for traveling at that speed, and we will never tolerate it” Sheriff Crabtree said. “It was this type of driving that contributed to many traffic fatalities on Highway 18 in years past. Because of the alarming number of serious accidents, the State designated this area a ‘Safety Corridor’. This designation has helped us reduce the number of fatalities significantly. “

Del Rayo was transported to the Yamhill County Jail on $15,000 security.