On Monday April 8, 2024 at approximately 9:40 PM, Newport Officers observed a gray SUV driving northbound on Highway 101 near NE 36th Street. Using radar, Officers found the SUV was travelling at almost 70 mph in a 45-mph zone. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, however the driver failed to yield to the emergency vehicles lights and sirens. The SUV increased its speed and then began passing other vehicles using the center left turn lane. A pursuit was initiated and Newport Officers were assisted by Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police troopers.
Officers pursued the SUV north on Hwy 101 into Depoe Bay, where the suspect continued attempting to elude officers taking several backroads and side streets in the Depoe Bay area.
The driver eventually pulled into the Worldmark Resort in Depoe Bay, where officers were able to block it in. The driver identified as 35-year old Lee Tiger of Keizer, Oregon, fled from the car on foot and led officers on a short foot chase before he was taken into custody.
During his arrest Tiger reportedly admitted to ingesting a large amount of Fentanyl and began showing signs of an opioid overdose.
Officers immediately administered NARCAN to Tiger and medics from Pacific West Ambulance transported him to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, where he was later medically cleared. Further investigation revealed the SUV Tiger was operating had been stolen out of Washington state and that he had multiple warrants for his arrest in other counties. Evidence of additional narcotics related crimes were located within the vehicle and the investigation is still ongoing. Mr. Tiger was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and in addition to his other warrants, he was lodged for the following crimes:
• Felony Elude
• Reckless Driving
• Reckless Endangering
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
• Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
• Failure to report as a sex offender
The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Officer Mangum of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.
