Sgt. Jake Pratt’s patrol vehicle was damaged during a car chase early Monday, Aug. 24. (Courtesy/Salem Police Department)
A Salem man that allegedly crashed into two cop cars and ran from police was charged with more than a dozen crimes Monday.
Antonio Rivera- Vasquez, 27, is accused of leading police on a mile-long chase going upwards of 100 mph and injuring two officers.
Salem police officers spotted a stolen car in northeast Salem around 12:33 a.m. but chose not to pursue the car for fear of escalating the situation, police said. They lost sight of the car as it turned west onto Northeast Sunnyview Road going 100 mph, according to police.
The driver of the stolen car ran a stop sign at the intersection of Northeast Market Street and Evergreen Avenue, hitting Sgt. Jake Pratt’s patrol car at 12:39 a.m., according to police. Pratt was treated and released from Salem Health.
Police said that another officer, David Baker, started chasing the car in a circle from Market Street to the intersection of Evergreen and Ellis Avenue. The driver stopped in the middle of the intersection, then reversed and collided with Baker’s car, according to police.
From there, police said the driver headed southeast with Baker still in pursuit. At the intersection of Northeast D Street and Savage Road, officer Branden Smith used his patrol car to spin the Acura to a stop.
Smith pinned the car against a curb, police said.
The driver climbed out of the car window and ran a few hundred yards until officers caught up to him as he climbed a fence, according to police. Police arrested Rivera-Vasquez into custody at 12:42 a.m. and taken to Salem Health for a medical evaluation.
He was booked in the jail and charged with third-degree assault on a peace officer, fourth-degree assault on a peace officer, attempted assault on a peace officer, driving under the influence of intoxicants, driving while suspended, hit and run, elude, four counts of reckless endangerment, interfering with a police officer, methamphetamine possession, reckless driving and resisting arrest.
Smith’s knee was injured during the chase and he was treated and released from Salem Health.
Rivera-Vasquez was arrested in February for stealing a car. He pleaded guilty to three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, interfering with a peace officer, methamphetamine possession and menacing in June and was sentenced to two months in prison on June 15.
He had a warrant for his arrest out of Linn County at the time of his arrest Monday.
SUPPORT ESSENTIAL REPORTING FOR SALEM – A subscription starts at $5 a month for around-the-clock access to stories and email alerts sent directly to you. Your support matters. Go HERE.
Have a story tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected] or @daisysaphara.
