Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT), Dec. 24

ROSEBURG, Ore. – On Friday, December 20, 2019, at approximately 12:15 pm, an observant deputy saw a white 1995 Honda that was previously reported as stolen pass by his location on Roberts Creek Road. The deputy turned around and attempted to stop the vehicle, at which time the driver accelerated and led deputies on a pursuit.  A police officer from Roseburg Police Department was able to successfully deploy spike strip on the vehicle near Dixonville. Despite the spike strips, the suspect continued to attempt to elude deputies toward Glide on Highway 138 East. As the pursuit continued, a deputy in the Glide area successfully deployed a second set of spike strips on the vehicle. The driver continued east on Highway 138 on only the rims of the vehicle. In order to end the pursuit, a deputy performed a PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique) maneuver. The PIT is a low-speed maneuver designed to cause the suspect vehicle to spin out, stall and come to a stop. The PIT was successful and the individual was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was identified as 32 year-old Eric Lee Lorenz of Winston. Lorenz was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges. Possession of a Stolen Vehicle; Attempt to Elude; Reckless Driving; Reckless Endangerment; Parole Violation. The Sheriff’s Office is asking any motorists who witnessed Lorenz driving in the wrong lane of travel, to call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 541-440-4471.