An O'Brien man wanted in connection with multiple stolen vehicles and a high-speed pursuit was apprehended in Washington.
Washougal Police arrested Billy Dean Gregory, 55, on January 16, and booked him into the Clark County Jail. Gregory was arrested for third-degree theft, and making a false statement to a public servant.
He is also being held on outstanding warrants for 13 additional charges, including five counts of theft, forgery, theft of a motor vehicle, and attempting to elude. Local charges have been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
The initial incident began just before 10:30 a.m., December 19th, when Josephine County reported a stolen vehicle eluding law enforcement on Interstate 5. The pursuit continued into Jackson County, where Central Point Police Department officers successfully deployed spike strips on the suspect vehicle along I-5.
Despite the damage, Gregory continued to elude officers at a high rate of speed into Ashland. The pursuit was later terminated due to public safety concerns. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies subsequently located the abandoned vehicle on Lori Lane in Ashland. Officers were unable to locate Gregory.
Later, a report of a vehicle stolen from Big Al’s restaurant in Ashland came in to dispatch. That vehicle was later located on North Valley View Road outside of Ashland, where a third stolen vehicle was reported. While attempting to locate that vehicle, reports came in of Gregory stealing alcohol from the Talent Liquor store. Law enforcement ultimately located the third stolen vehicle in the 5800 block of Colver Road in Talent.
