Police arrest suspect after high-speed chase and drone search in Eugene

Springfield, Oregon – A high-speed chase involving a stolen vehicle ended with the arrest of a suspect in Eugene after a coordinated effort from multiple law enforcement agencies, according to the Springfield Police Department (SPD).

According to SPD, on Oct. 26, a police department officer observed two vehicles speeding on the roundabout exit and appeared to be speeding around 9:50 p.m.

Officials say the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicles in question sped up in an attempt to elude the SPD officer. Eventually, one of the vehicles slowed down and stopped on the side of the road, according to SPD.

However, according to SPD, the remaining vehicle continued to drive recklessly through the Glenwood area toward Eugene.

As SPD continued to pursue the suspect, Eugene Police units arrived to assist. SPD Dispatcher was able to confirm that the suspect vehicle was also stolen.

SPD says the suspect eventually slowed down and exited the still moving vehicle. According to police, the car hit a curb and came to a stop. Police then detained the passenger who was still in the vehicle. Police say the driver stumbled into dense vegetation while still trying to evade law enforcement.

Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including K-9 teams from SPD and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. K-9 teams worked in coordination with Metro Drone team operators who spotted a large heat signature that they believed was the suspect.

Authorities searched the area for nearly an hour and officers eventually located the suspect, identified by police as a 31-year-old Springfield man named Benson, and arrested him without further incident.

Benson was arrested on the following charges in addition to other charges related to the open Theft III case that SPD was investigating:

• Reckless threat
• Possession of a stolen vehicle
• DUII
• Reckless driving
• Slip away – Vehicle
• Theft III – Deception
• Order: FTA, FTC, FTP, PV, SC

SPD says Benson was booked into the Lane County Jail.