Attempt to Elude, June 21

News release from the Coos Co. Sheriff’s Office. At midnight on June 19, 2016 a Coos County man led law enforcement officers from four agencies on a 26 mile pursuit. A Coos County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to pull over a silver 1990 Geo Metro hatchback while it was traveling eastbound on Highway 42 near milepost 8 a couple of miles west of Coquille. The driver of the Geo had been operating his car without headlights. The deputy attempted to pull the vehicle over, using his emergency lights and siren but the driver of the Geo did not stop. As the pursuit continued on Highway 42 the deputy was joined by a Coquille Police Officer. A Bandon Police officer who was just leaving the jail after dropping off a prisoner joined in also. The pursuit continued eastbound on Highway 42, at times reaching speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour. The traffic at that time of night was light and as the Geo continued to be pursued it crossed over the lanes of travel in a reckless manner. The police units continued to pursue and the driver of the Geo led them into the city of Myrtle Point. A Myrtle Point police officer joined in the pursuit. As the pursuit wound through the back streets of the city another Myrtle Point officer set up with spike strips on the east side of town. As the pursuit continued east on Highway 42 through town and out the other side the spike strips were deployed but the pursued car was able to maneuver around them. The pursuit continued east until the junction with Highway 242, the Powers Highway. The Geo turned southbound onto the Powers Highway and the pursuit continued. As the chase approached the Broadbent area the decision was made to terminate the pursuit due to the windiness of the highway and danger to oncoming traffic on the rural highway. The vehicle continued on toward Powers. The law enforcement officers continued to trail the vehicle at a distance, not actively pursuing until the vehicle slowed to a stop near milepost 11 on the Powers Highway. As the officers on scene attempted to take the driver into custody he began to flee. A TASER electronic stun device was used to assist in taking the male driver, and lone occupant of the vehicle into custody. Due to the TASER deployment the subject suffered a slight wound to his forehead and to his wrist. Medics were sent to the scene and conducted first aid. It was learned the driver was from the North Bend area and stated he just “needed to get out of the city.” There were no indications of intoxication on the driver Mr. Chalmers. It was further learned that the only reason Mr. Chalmers stopped his car was due to it running out of gas. Mr. Chalmers was taken to Coquille Valley Hospital where he was treated and released. He was then lodged at the Coos County Jail. Mr. Chalmers faces Attempt to Elude a Police Officer, Reckless Driving and Attempted Escape in the 3rd Degree. His bail was set at $25,000.