WEST LINN, Ore. -- Suspected shoplifters in Vancouver, Wash., rammed a patrol car then led police on a high-speed chase on Interstate 205 that ended in West Linn with two arrests.
Officers were dispatched Sunday evening to a grocery store near Northeast Mill Plain Boulevard and Andresen Road following the report that people had shoplifted a cart full of groceries, according to Vancouver police.
Officers eventually spotted the suspects driving into an apartment parking lot in the 2900 block of General Anderson Avenue.
As they approached, the suspects rammed a patrol car and fled.
"After I saw everything, I heard he hit a cop car. And I’m like 'whoa, really?'” said neighbor Brandon Millard.
The suspects sped south along I-205 before crossing into Portland, where several police agencies joined the pursuit. A West Linn Police Department spokesperson told KGW their officers deployed spike strips.
The car was finally stopped on I-205 just east of Stafford Road in Clackamas County.
After a foot chase, both suspects were arrested and lodged in the Clackamas County Jail.
Robert Legg appeared in Clackamas County court Monday. His bail was set at $50,000. Prosecutors noted his “extensive” criminal history. Jail records show his charges include attempting to elude a police officer, reckless driving, recklessly endangering, fugitive from another state, and theft. Vancouver police expect to add more charges when he returns to Washington.
The other suspect, Melvin Chargualaf, didn’t appear in court Monday. He’s being held on a heroin possession charge.
The officer who was in the patrol car which was rammed was treated at an area hospital before being released.