Chase of Redmond fugitive ends in crash, arrest

A Redmond man wanted for violating parole was arrested Wednesday night after a high-speed chase ended in a crash at a southeast Redmond intersection, sending his car into an irrigation canal, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

Just before 9 p.m., a deputy spotted a blue 1997 Honda Civic coming out of BLM land onto East Antler Avenue, east of Ninth Street, said Sgt. Troy Gotchy.

When the deputy turned toward the car, the driver sped away, heading south on Jackson Street, Gotchy said.

The driver, later identified as William Ray Worthington, 26, tried to turn left (east) on Hwy. 126 toward Prineville, but was going too fast and lost control, the sergeant said.

Worthington’s car slid sideways through the intersection, crossed Highway 126 and ended up crashing sideways into a canal, Gotchy said.

As the deputy approached, he saw two men trying to leave the car, and detained both, Gotchy said, adding that both were unhurt.

Deputies soon learned Worthington had a felony warrant for his arrest. He was taken to the county jail in Bend, held without bail on the parole violation warrant and also facing new charges of felony attempt to elude, reckless driving and reckless endangerment. No charges were filed against the passenger.

Highway 126 was blocked for a brief time while the two men were detained.

Two pit bulls in the car were turned over to a third party and the car was towed as a hazard, Gotchy said. Redmond police assisted in the pursuit, he added.

Worthington last made headlines in February 2007, when at age 19 he was arrested on suspicion of connection to several burglaries. He also had a warrant out for his arrest in Crook County at that time.