Attempt to Elude, Seven Devils Rd.
CCSO release – Date / Time: May 24, 2023, at 2:48 p.m.; Case Number(s): S3-11690; Classification: Criminal Trespass II / False Info to Police / Elude by Foot / Attempted Escape III / Warrant Arrest (Multiple); Location: Seven Devils & Hench Lane; Suspect(s): Richard A. Smith (40); Man arrested after giving a false name and fleeing from Deputy on foot. On May 24, 2023, at 2:48 p.m. Sgt. A. Slater contacted a suspicious vehicle on private property occupied by a man and woman. The pick-up was backed into heavy brush, obscuring most of the pick-up. A man inside the vehicle identified himself as Michael A. Smith (30). While Sgt. Slater was conducting his investigation, the woman in the driver’s seat drove away from the location at a high rate of speed. While Sgt. Slater attempted to catch the vehicle, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center advised that the man had given a false name. Sgt. Slater eventually caught up to the pick-up and conducted a traffic stop. However, the man in the passenger seat later identified as Richard A. Smith (40) of North Bend, fled from the pick-up on foot as soon as it stopped. A foot chase ensued ending with Richard bailing down a ravine into thick vegetation. K9 Cena conducted a criminal apprehension track for Richard in the ravine. K9 Cena tracked Richard for 250 yards before pushing him into Deputy H. Francis on the perimeter. Richard was taken into custody without incident. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center advised Richard A. Smith had multiple warrants outstanding for his arrest. Richard was also charged with the new crimes of criminal mischief II, false info to a police officer, attempt to elude on foot and escape III. Richard A. Smith was transported to the Coquille Valley Hospital after he told arresting Deputies he ingested a large amount of fentanyl before being arrested. After being medically cleared Mr. Smith was transported to the Coos County Jail, where he remains in custody.
Careless Driving, Warrant Arrest, Lakeside
CCSO release – Date / Time: May 24, 2023 at 12:06 p.m.; Case Number(s): S23-11667; Classification: (Multiple) Warrant arrest, Carless Driving, DWS Violation; Location: Airport Road & Sarah Lane (Lakeside); Suspect(s): Michael J. Esposito (47). Man arrested after attempting to flee from Sheriff’s Deputy in a vehicle. On May 24, 2023, at 12:06 p.m. Sgt. A. Slater was on routine patrol in Lakeside when he observed a suspicious vehicle turn onto Airport Road from U.S. Hwy 101. Sgt. Slater pulled out behind the car, and it immediately took off at a high rate of speed. Sgt. Slater actively tried to stop the vehicle with his emergency lights and siren activated. However, the red Cadillac slid sideways onto Sarah Lane before the car became stuck in a ditch at the location. The driver, Michael J. Esposito (47) of Oakridge, had several outstanding warrants from both the Parole Board & Probation warrants from Marion County. Mr. Esposito was arrested on the warrants and transported to the Coos County Jail, where he was booked and is currently in custody. The vehicle was removed from the location. After an investigation, Mr. Esposito was cited for driving while suspended and careless driving. In addition, he will be referred to the D.A.’s Office for additional crimes from his actions before the traffic stop.