A Longview man was arrested Monday night after a high-speed pursuit that ended with him driving into the Columbia River near Clatskanie.
Longview police spokesperson Capt. Branden McNew said officers arrested Jaden James Hays, 27, of Longview, as he was wanted on robbery and assault charges related to a June 25 Longview incident where he injured a person while stealing property.
According to McNew, the officers identified a black Volkswagen connected to Hays at Miller’s Market, 3152 Washington Way.
Upon initiating a traffic stop, Hays reportedly fled, leading police on a high-speed chase that sometimes reached 120 mph and crossed the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Oregon.
After spike strips were used by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Hays’ car ended up in the river near Clatskanie, just past the Safeway at 401 Columbia River Hwy.
Sgt. Anthony Bosworth of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office told The Daily News the suspect’s car drove straight through into the river.
Hays attempted to swim into the river but he eventually returned to shore, where officers arrested him and booked him into the Columbia County Jail on multiple suspected charges, including felony eluding, resisting arrest and reckless driving. Hays’ extradition back to Longview is pending.
