On May 16th, 2020 at approximately 7:20 PM an Officer from the Toledo Police conducted a traffic stop on a 2001 Pontiac Van for violation of the posted speed limit on Highway 20 near Olalla Road. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Andrew McKnight-Owen, initially complied and provided his Idaho driver’s license to the Officer. As a part of the routine process to check for valid driving status it was discovered Mr. McKnight-Owen had active an active fugitive from justice warrant out of Idaho.
The Officer then re-contacted Mr. McKnight-Owen and advised him he was under arrest and asked him to step out of the vehicle. At this time Mr. McKnight-Owen fled at a high rate of speed westbound on Highway 20 in his vehicle. The Officer pursued after Mr. McKnight-Owen and requested assistance from the Newport Police Department and The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to attempt to deploy spike strips. Mr. McKnight-Owen continued driving until mile post two on Highway 20 before deciding to yield after observing Officers ahead prepared to deploy spike strips.
Mr. McKnight-Owen was then safely taken into custody. Mr. McKnight-Owen was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a handgun in which he was prevented by law from possessing due to previous felony convictions. Mr. McKnight-Owen was transported to the Lincoln County Jail where he was lodged for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude-Felony, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and his fugitive from justice warrant. Mr. McKnight-Owen is currently being held on $200,000 bail.