On the early morning of August 27, 2019, the Oregon State Police observed a gray Ford Fusion driving reckless south on Hwy 101 in Tillamook County. This was observed by the vehicle’s high rate of speed, unnecessary braking, and failing to drive within its lane. At times the car was observed driving in the opposing lane of travel. The Oregon State Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the car as it entered Lincoln County but it failed to yield to emergency lights and sirens and continued driving in the dangerous manner prior to police contact.
The vehicle ran over stop sticks which were deployed from the assistance of Lincoln City Police and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The driver, who was identified as 29-year old Nels Madsen of Stevenson Washington came to a stop and was placed in custody. Signs of impairment were detected and he consented to and performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests at the Lincoln County Jail. Madsen provided a breath sample revealing a blood alcohol content of 0.00%.
He invoked his right to counsel at the beginning stages of a drug recognition evaluation and was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following crimes: Attempt to Elude – Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, DUII – Controlled Substance, PCS Methamphetamine.