Gas Thief, Jan. 31

News release Newport PD.  On January 27, 2017 at about 5:20 p.m., Newport Police Officers were dispatched to a theft of gas at Bevens Chevron, 960 Hwy 101. Police Officers were given a description of the suspect and his vehicle. Officers were advised by Dispatch that the suspect vehicle was last seen southbound on Hwy 101. Officers began searching for the suspect vehicle. A short time later, the suspect vehicle was spotted traveling southbound over the Yaquina Bay Bridge by an Oregon State Police Trooper. Newport Police Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle, which immediately sped away, and then pulled into an apartment complex parking lot just south of the South Beach Grocery store. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Blake Edward Barnhill, age 27 of Lincoln City, immediately fled on foot westbound into the wooded area behind the grocery store. Police Officers pursued Barnhill through the wooded area, and ultimately confronted him southwest of the original stop location. Barnhill was not complaint with Police Officers, and a Taser was deployed. Barnhill was taken into custody. Medics arrived on scene to transport Barnhill to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital for evaluation. While being treated at SPCH, Barnhill made several unsuccessful attempts to escape from custody. After being treated and released at SPCH, Barnhill was transported and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail. Barnhill was charged with Theft 3rd Degree; DUII; Attempt to Elude Police; Resisting Arrest, and Escape 3rd Degree. His bail was set at $67,500. Newport Police Officers were assisted at the scene by Oregon State Police, and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies. Anyone with further information is asked to call Sgt. Keith Garrett or Sgt. Brad Purdom at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-A-Tip at 541-270-1856.