On Tuesday, May 2, 2023 about 4:35PM, Lincoln City Police arrested a 43-year-old Corvallis man after he crashed his vehicle while attempting to elude from police. At about 4:17 PM, Lincoln City Police began receiving 911 calls reporting someone was shooting a firearm in the wooded area behind the Ridge Apartments and Taft High School. As Lincoln City Police Officers arrived in the area, they received information that a Hispanic male had come out of the woods and had just left in a white Ford pickup. A responding officer located the white Ford pickup leaving the area and initiated a traffic stop in the area of SE 48th Street and High School Drive.
The white pickup initially pulled over, but after the officer exited his patrol car, the driver of the pickup sped off eastbound on SE 48th Street. The officer began pursuing the pickup as it continued eastbound on Schooner Creek Road at a high rate of speed. A short time after the pursuit began the officer advised that the pickup had crashed and had rolled over on Schooner Creek Road. Additional Lincoln City Police Officers arrived to assist. The driver and lone occupant later identified as Manuel Becerra Campos had crawled out of the cab and was taken into custody.
Personnel from North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and Pacific West Ambulance quickly arrived and began medical treatment of Mr. Campos who was complaining his back hurt, but had no other obvious injuries. During the subsequent scene investigation, a loaded handgun was located in the cab of the pickup as well as ammunition and a number spent cartridge casings. In addition, a significant number of empty beer cans were found scattered around the overturned pickup. Personnel from Pacific Power and Spectrum Communications also responded due to a utility being broken apart after being struck by the pickup during the crash.
Pacific West Ambulance transported Campos, who initially provided a false name, to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment. After being discharged from the hospital, he was transported to the Lincoln County Jail where fingerprints were used to positively identify him as Manuel Campos. He was lodged at the jail on the following charges; Driving under the Influence of Intoxicants, Felony Attempt to Elude, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Disorderly Conduct II.
The investigation is open and additional Charges may be forth coming. The Lincoln City Police would like to thank North Lincoln Fire & Rescue, Pacific West Ambulance, Pacific Power, and Spectrum Communication for their response and assistance at the crash scene. We would also like to thank the involved citizens who worked in partnership with the Lincoln City Police Department, enabling officeres to quickly respond to and apprehend a dangerous person, and maintain the safety of the community.
