Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a man who led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit through the Illinois Valley before crashing the stolen vehicle he was driving into a power pole, knocking out electrical service to local residents.

The Sheriff's Office did not report the incident in its daily log, but jail records show a 39-year-old man identified as "Victor Ryan Taber" was booked Wednesday at 1:50 a.m..

Trusted sources report deputies spotted a stolen vehicle and started a pursuit, but the driver refused to yield while leading them on a high-speed chase that ended when the vehicle crashed into a power pole. There were no serious injuries reported, but a widespread power outage occurred due to the crash.

The Grants Pass Police Department reports the suspect stole the keys to a woman's Audi Q3 while she was shopping at Walmart on Tuesday night. The Illinois Valley Fire District reports the crash occurred in the 900-block of Caves Highway.

The suspect identified as "Taber" was placed into custody and transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged for crimes including Felony Attempt to Elude Police, Felony 1st-Degree Criminal Mischief, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering a Highway Worker, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and 2nd-Degree Criminal Mischief. He was being held without bail.