WILSONVILLE, Ore. (KATU) — A 35-year-old Cornelius man was taken into custody Friday after leading Wilsonville Police and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Deputies on a dangerous, half-hour high-speed chase that spanned multiple cities and highways.
Traffic Stop Turns Into Pursuit
The chase began around noon when a Wilsonville Police officer attempted to stop a white Ford F-150 in a store parking lot near the 8200 block of SW Wilsonville Road. Instead of complying, the driver — later identified as Gerardo Calixtro-Tellez — sped away, prompting a pursuit.
Deputies followed Calixtro-Tellez northbound on Interstate 5. Officers deployed spike strips near SW Nyberg Street in Tualatin, successfully puncturing the truck’s driver-side tires. Despite the damage, the suspect continued driving recklessly through several neighborhoods.
Also Read
Wild Chase Through Multiple Roads
Investigators say that after hitting the spike strips, Calixtro-Tellez exited the freeway and drove down SW Borland Road, where he encountered heavy traffic. Rather than stopping, he turned onto SW 65th Avenue toward SW Elligsen Road, continuing even as his truck rode on its rims.
The chase intensified as the driver sped along Wilsonville Road, circled through SW Town Center Loop, and passed near Wilsonville High School, where law enforcement had to act quickly to ensure student safety.
When the suspect reached Stafford Road, deputies used a PIT maneuver — a technique to disable a fleeing vehicle — and deployed additional spike strips, which flattened the remaining passenger-side tires.
Chase Ends on I-205
Despite extensive vehicle damage, Calixtro-Tellez managed to steer the F-150 onto Interstate 205. However, the pursuit soon came to an end when he abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Deputies quickly apprehended him after a short chase.
The entire incident lasted about 30 minutes, covering several miles through Wilsonville, Tualatin, and nearby areas.
Arrest and Charges
Calixtro-Tellez was booked into jail on multiple charges, including reckless endangerment, attempting to elude a police officer, reckless driving, and two outstanding warrants related to previous, unrelated offenses.
School Lockdowns for Safety
As a precaution, Wilsonville High School, Boeckman Creek Primary School, and Riverside High School were briefly placed on lockdown during the pursuit to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Community Reaction and Aftermath
The high-speed chase caused temporary road closures and heavy traffic throughout the Wilsonville area. Authorities commended the coordination between Wilsonville Police and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizing that quick deployment of spike strips and tactical maneuvers prevented further harm.
No injuries were reported during the chase, but officials stressed the severe risks such pursuits pose to public safety. Calixtro-Tellez remains in custody as the investigation continues.
