A police chase that began in Clark County and quickly moved south across the Interstate 5 Bridge ended in an arrest Saturday evening near Portland State University.
Portland police officers got a call at about 8:30 p.m. that the Washington State Patrol was in pursuit of a hit-and-run suspect, and that the chase was heading into their jurisdiction, according to the Portland Police Bureau. State Patrol began trailing the suspect vehicle at 8:27 p.m. just north of the bridge.
Portland officers were able to follow the suspect’s vehicle from the Rose Quarter, across the Marquam Bridge and onto Southwest Sixth Avenue near Portland State University. The chase briefly delayed a light-rail line in the area.
Using a tactical maneuver with a police vehicle, officers caused the suspect’s vehicle to spin out of control near the intersection of Sixth and Harrison streets. After a brief struggle, police arrested Joe Edward Abeyta, 61, of Cathlamet on suspicion of attempting to elude by vehicle, driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and interfering with public transportation.
He could face even more charges in Washington, according to police.
