Reckless Driver Leads Police On High Speed Chase

Saturday morning January 10, 2026, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies received information regarding a vehicle being operated recklessly through an active construction zone on Highway 101, at the north end of Lincoln City toward the intersection with highway 18 nearly hitting workers and running over traffic cones. At approximately 8:37am, a deputy located the van entering Newport city limits at a high rate of speed, traveling in the oncoming lane.

Deputies attempted to stop the van, but the driver failed to yield. Assisted by the Newport Police officers and the Oregon State Police troopers, deputies pursued the driver south bound through Newport and the community of Seal Rock. The driver, later identified as Johnathan Grimm, continued driving at speeds between 90 and 110 MPH. Grimm turned off the highway near NW Fox Creek and continued to attempt to elude police until arriving at a residence.

There Grimm fled on foot and was quickly apprehended without further incident. Lincoln City Police assisted in the investigation and confirmed the van which endangered highway workers was the same van Grimm was driving. He was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Reckless Endangerment of Highway Workers, and Attempt to Elude. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office thanked all partnering agencies in this apprehension.