A Portland man was arrested Monday after leading Clackamas County police on a high-speed chase through Happy Valley, which ended when he crashed into an SUV and a trailer full of gravel. I guess you could say he hit rock bottom.
Police first made contact with the suspect, 26-year-old Sam Emanuel Hancos, at approximately 9:30 a.m. Monday, when they say they attempted to initiate a traffic stop after seeing him speeding and passing two vehicles over a double yellow line on SE Foster Road in Happy Valley.
Hancos pulled his vehicle, a Dodge Charger, over on SE Vogel, but sped off as soon as the deputy approached. The deputy attempted to pursue, estimating Hancos was driving at speeds in excess of 100 mph in an attempt to elude police.
Police lost sight of the vehicle after it turned onto SE 172nd Avenue, but soon caught up after it crashed into a Ford truck pulling a load of gravel and a Nissan Xterra.
Hancos reportedly crawled out the broken back window of his Charger and attempted to flee on foot, but bystanders at the nearby Fred Meyer fuel station saw what happened and detained him until deputies arrived.
Both of the other drivers were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Hancos was evaluated on scene for sobriety and possible injuries. Police released photos of the suspect undergoing a field sobriety test in handcuffs and wearing a hoodie advertising a craft cannabis dispensary.
He was transported to an area hospital as a precaution, then transported to Clackamas County Jail for booking.
Deputies learned he had a prior warrant for DUII out of Tillamook County. He will also face additional charges for possession of heroin, third-degree assault, attempt to elude, reckless endangering, reckless driving and hit and run with an injury.
SE 172nd Ave between SE Misty Avenue and SE Sunnyside Road was closed until 2 p.m. while investigators and other first responders worked the scene.
