Shelter-in-Place Lifted After High-Speed Chase Through Oregon Town

At 3:48 am on October 10th, a deputy from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop on a 2016 Kia Sorento. However, instead of complying, the driver, identified as 27-year-old Zachary Phillips, decided to flee the scene, prompting a dangerous pursuit.

Authorities say the Kia Sorento accelerated at high speeds towards the city of Gaston. During the chase, one of the three occupants in the car reportedly fired a gun at the pursuing deputy. The vehicle reached speeds in excess of 100 mph, putting the lives of those involved and the public at risk.

Law enforcement deployed spike strips, successfully puncturing some of the car’s tires. This led to the eventual halt of the pursuit at the intersection of Hwy 47 and East Main Street in Gaston.

While the two passengers chose to remain in the vehicle and were apprehended by deputies, the driver, Zachary Phillips, fled on foot. In an attempt to evade capture, Phillips tried to carjack a member of the community but was unsuccessful.

With the safety of the Gaston community in mind, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office took the step of utilizing a reverse 911 system through the Washington County Consolidated Communication Agency (WCCCA). Community members were advised to shelter in place until the situation was resolved.

Law enforcement, including multiple agencies, launched an intensive search for Phillips, which spanned several hours. At 7:25 am, a deputy patrolling near the Gaston Fire Station spotted Phillips running and successfully took him into custody. He was treated for minor injuries at the scene and transported to the Washington County Jail.

Phillips now faces a number of charges, including outstanding warrants and new counts of felony elude, misdemeanor elude, reckless driving, and two counts of reckless endangering another person. Detectives continue to investigate the carjacking incident, leaving the possibility of additional charges looming.

One of the vehicle’s passengers, 30-year-old James Tijerina, was arrested on several outstanding warrants. Officials say the search for the gun used during the pursuit continues. No additional information was released by authorities at this time.