Driver arrested after NW Redmond police chase

A transient who refused to pull over for a traffic stop in northwest Redmond late Tuesday night led Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit, crashing into a large rock, through a fence and across a field before two tires went flat before a guns-drawn traffic stop and arrest, authorities said.

Around 10:30 p.m., deputies attempted a traffic stop on a black 1992 Honda Accord driven by Lane Eugene Johnson, 51, after he failed to signal a turn onto Northwest Yucca Way from Pershall Way, sheriff’s Sgt. William Bailey said.

Johnson sped away from the attempted traffic stop, continuing from Yucca Way onto 21st Street, where he turned around and drove back to Yucca Way, then west on Pershall Way at about 60 mph, Bailey said.

Johnson lost control of the car on the S turns where Pershall Way turns into Coyner Avenue. Bailey said the car left the road, crashed into a large rock and through a fence, then continued through a field and back toward two deputies, missing a patrol car by one or two car lengths.

Johnson then continued driving east on Pershall Way, at which time Bailey said the front and reare passenger side tires flattened, leaving him driving on the two rims.

Johnson continued east on Pershall Way, crossing over Highway 97 and onto O’Neil Highway “at very low speeds,” Bailey said in a news release. He then continued east on O’Neil Highway and straight onto Northeast Yucca Way before coming to a stop at the corner of Yucca Avenue and 17th Street.

Redmond police then helped deputies with a high-risk (guns-drawn) traffic stop and Johnson, alone in the car, was taken into custody.

Johnson was taken to the Deschutes County Jail in Bend and booked on charges of felony attempt to elude, reckless driving, second-degree criminal mischief, failure to perform the duties of a driver and felon in possession of a restricted weapon. His initial bail was set at $10,000, jail records showed.

Johnson also was cited for driving with a suspended license, a violation, and driving uninsured, Bailey said.

In late November, court records show Johnson pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal mischief, and charges of reckless driving and hit-and-run with property damage were dismissed. He was sentenced to six days in jail (time served), two years probation and conditions including no use of alcohol or drugs and at least $70 a month restitution.