Portland-area man facing DUII, menacing charges after pedestrian hit-and-run at Madras Pub & Deli

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Portland-area man who brandished a gun during an altercation at a Madras pub, then allegedly struck the other man with his SUV as he left was tracked down by law enforcement and arrested on DUII and other charges, Police Chief Timothy Plummer said.

Harjinder Virk, 39, of the Portland suburb of Happy Valley, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court to Class A misdemeanor charges of DUII-alcohol, reckless driving and menacing, court records showed. Judge Annette Hillman scheduled an early resolution conference for Nov. 14.

Frontier 911 dispatchers sent police around 1:15 p.m. Monday to the Madras Pub and Deli on Southwest Fifth Street, Plummer said. A caller told dispatchers someone was hit by a car and that the driver possessed a handgun when he fled in a dark-colored SUV.

Officers called in medics and other law enforcement, and the man who was struck was treated and released at the scene.

Based on information from callers, officers searched the immediate area and Highway 26 West, Plummer said.

Around 7:15 p.m. Monday, law enforcement found the SUV near Highway 26 and Pelton Dam Road, the police chief said. Virk was taken into custody and officers located the firearm.

 Virk was taken to St. Charles Madras and later booked into the Jefferson County Jail on charges that initially also included hit-and-run and third-degree theft. Bail was set at $12,500.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation was urged to contact the Madras Police Department at 541-475-2424.