PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A 35-year-old Cornelius man is facing multiple charges after leading law enforcement officers on a dangerous chase through parts of Clackamas and Washington counties on Friday.
Authorities identified the suspect as Gerardo Calixtro-Tellez, who was arrested after a pursuit that began in Wilsonville and ended only after deputies used spike strips and a PIT maneuver to stop his vehicle.
Chase Begins in Wilsonville
According to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when deputies attempted to stop Calixtro-Tellez in a parking lot at 8255 SW Wilsonville Road. Instead of complying, the driver sped away, heading northbound on Interstate 5, prompting deputies to initiate a pursuit.
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A short time later, law enforcement deployed spike strips near SW Nyberg Street in Tualatin, successfully puncturing the truck’s tires. Despite losing both tires on the driver’s side, the suspect continued driving, navigating through SW Borland Road and into traffic.
Pursuit Near Local Schools
Calixtro-Tellez then steered through several areas of Wilsonville, including Wilsonville Road and Southwest Town Center Loop, passing close to Wilsonville High School. For safety, Wilsonville High School, Boeckman Creek Primary School, and Riverside High School were all placed on temporary secure status as a precaution during the pursuit.
Authorities said the driver next continued onto Stafford Road, ignoring traffic hazards and the deteriorating condition of his vehicle.
Deputies Use PIT Maneuver and Additional Spike Strips
As the chase continued, deputies deployed additional spike strips to damage the truck’s remaining tires. Officers then executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver—a controlled collision used to stop fleeing vehicles.
Even after this, Calixtro-Tellez attempted to continue his escape by entering Interstate 205, where he ultimately abandoned his vehicle and tried to flee on foot. He was quickly apprehended by deputies and taken into custody around 12:28 p.m.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Calixtro-Tellez faces multiple charges, including reckless driving, reckless endangering, and attempting to elude a police officer. Authorities also said he had two outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among officers, bystanders, or students in the area.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the successful deployment of spike strips and coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies prevented the pursuit from causing more severe harm.
Community Response
Local schools quickly resumed normal operations once deputies confirmed the area was secure. School officials thanked law enforcement for their prompt communication and rapid response during the brief lockdown.
Authorities are now reviewing dashcam and surveillance footage as part of their investigation into the incident.
Calixtro-Tellez remains in custody as the case proceeds through the Clackamas County judicial system.
