On March 7, 2022, at approximately 10:46pm, a Newport Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on SE Bay Blvd., near SE Pine St. on a vehicle operated by 34-year old Juan HALL, of Newport. The officer knew Mr. Hall by sight and knew he had a valid State Parole Board Warrant for his arrest. Upon being stopped, Hall exited his vehicle and the Officer advised him of the warrant.
Mr. Hall argued the warrant and refused to comply with the officer’s orders. Mr. Hall continued to argue and not comply with the officer then abruptly entered his vehicle, shut the door and put his vehicle in gear. The officer attempted to stop Hall by breaking the driver’s window. Mr. Hall then reversed his vehicle and slammed into the officer’s patrol car, which was occupied by Newport’s Narcotic Canine.
The officer radioed for assistance and went back to his car then Hall rammed the officer’s car again, causing the Police vehicle to hit the officer. Hall continued, and went forward, ramming another parked car. Hall then exited his vehicle and fled on foot. He ran towards the boardwalk on SW Bay Blvd., and jumped the railing, landing in the bay. Then he swam towards Port Dock 5, where he was taken into custody without further incident by members of the Newport Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
Both the officer and Mr. Hall were treated for minor injuries resulting from the incident. Hall was then transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was booked and lodged on the following charges:
Assaulting a Public Safety Officer, Assault II, Fail to Perform the Duties of a Driver (Property and Injury), Attempt to Elude a Police Officer (Vehicle and Foot), Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief I, Attempted Assault on a Law Enforcement Animal, Disorderly Conduct II, Menacing, Reckless Endangering x2, Reckless Driving, and an outstanding warrant. His bail was listed at $415,000. The Newport Police Department was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Fire Department and Pacific West Ambulance.
