Local News

A Curry County man is in custody after he stole a minivan in Josephine County on Tuesday and then drove at high speeds on Interstate 5 while attempting to elude law enforcement before crashing on Table Rock Road in Medford.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports 37-year-old Antoine Roberson of Brookings attempted to flee on foot after crashing, but he was tracked down and placed into custody by deputies yesterday.

Around 1:10 p.m., the stolen minivan passed Jackson County detectives in an unmarked vehicle on southbound I-5 at milepost 40. The suspect was driving recklessly at speeds over 100 miles per hour in the rain. Detectives radioed dispatch and a sheriff's deputy and Oregon State Police trooper staged near I-5 Exit 30. The minivan took the exit and attempted to elude law enforcement.

A deputy successfully spiked the minivan's tires at Table Rock Road and Berrydale Avenue. The van continued driving recklessly before crashing into a car and fence on Table Rock Road. There were no injuries reported in the crash and Roberson tried to run but was placed into custody without further incident.

Antoine Roberson was lodged at the Jackson County Jail for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Felony and Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude Police, 1st-Degree Criminal Mischief, Reckless Driving and Reckless Endangering.

An investigation determined the minivan was an unreported stolen vehicle in Josephine County. Roberson is known by the Grants Pass Police Department as a frequent camper in city parks.