Fugitive runs, is caught near Redmond

A deputy’s stop to check on a disabled car in the Highway 97 median south of Redmond Saturday evening turned into a chase and arrest of a wanted passenger who jumped out the driver’s window and ran, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

A deputy had stopped to check on the Ford Crown Victoria, parked in the median near Tomahawk Avenue, said Sgt. Troy Gotchy. He then recognized the passenger to be Zane Michael Isbell, 34, a Redmond transient who the deputy soon learned had several outstanding arrest warrants.

While deputies were talking to Isbell, he crawled across the driver and got out of the car through the driver’s window, Gotchy said. The deputy at the driver’s door tried to grab Isbell as he came out of the window, but was unable to hold onto him.

Isbell then ran across the two southbound lanes – nearly hit by a passing motorist – then ran west down Tomahawk Avenue and into a field, Gotchy said.

Two deputies were able to catch Isbell, taking him into custody in a pasture, the sergeant said.

Isbell was taken to the county jail in Bend, where he was booked on four outstanding warrants for violating release agreements for firearms possession, theft and drug-related crimes. Each had a $75,000 bail, Gotchy said.

Isbell also is charged with several new crimes, including methamphetamine possession, third-degree escape, resisting arrest and attempting to elude police on foot.

The driver, who authorities did not identify, was briefly detained, but no charges were brought and he was released at the scene, Gotchy said.