News release from the Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office. On March 13, 2016 at approximately 4:30 PM Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation in Depoe Bay. While attempting to get behind the vehicle to affect a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign at Winchell Drive and Ainslee Avenue. Deputies activated their emergency lights and siren as the vehicle fled toward Highway 101. Deputies lost sight of the vehicle however were assisted by citizens at the intersection of Collins Street and Highway 101 who indicated the vehicle went northbound on Highway 101. Deputies regained visual and saw the vehicle make several unlawful passes at speeds of approximately 80 MPH. Near the intersection of Gleneden Beach Loop and Highway 101, Oregon State Police set up spike strips and successfully spiked two tires. The driver continued fleeing however lost control and crashed into a guardrail at the intersection of Highway 101 and Immonen Road. Arriving deputies saw the driver exit the vehicle and flee on foot. A foot pursuit ensued and the female driver, Sarah Chavez age 32 of Depoe Bay, was captured after running into the Siletz estuary in an attempt to escape. Chavez complained of injury as a result of the traffic crash. She was arrested by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Karl Vertner and transported by Pacific West Ambulance to North Lincoln Hospital. After being medically evaluated and released from the hospital, Chavez was transported to the Lincoln County Jail where she was lodged on the following charges: No Bail Oregon State Parole Warrant, Attempt to Elude (vehicle), Attempt to Elude (foot), Reckless Driving, Escape in the Third Degree and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. Her bail was set at $145,000. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Oregon State Police, Lincoln City Police, Pacific West Ambulance and Depoe Bay Fire.
