MEDIA RELEASE
SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Incident: Domestic Violence leads to Vehicle Pursuit
Location: Gateway Street
Case Number: 26-1404/1413
Date/Time: March 5th 2026 / 6:33 PM
More Information: Public Information Coordinator | spdpi@springfield-or.gov
Completed By: Lieutenant Justin Myers

INVOLVED SUSPECT:
Kevin Wayne Downs 60 years old

NARRATIVE OF INCIDENT:
On March 5th at 12:20 PM Springfield Police Officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of Lochaven Ave regarding a disorderly subject. Initial investigation determined there was probable cause to arrest Kevin Wayne Downs for Assault IV APA. Downs had left the location prior to officer arrival and was unable to be located after a search of the area.
Later in the day, around 6:30 PM, an officer observed Down’s vehicle northbound on Gateway Street. The officer tried to conduct a traffic stop but a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit went north on Gateway, through several parking lots, before Downs attempted to drive over a berm next to the roadway on International Way. The vehicle became stuck against a retaining wall ending the vehicle pursuit. Downs exited his vehicle then attempted to flee on foot. K9 Poker was able to apprehend Downs who was taken into custody without further incident.
Downs was taken to the hospital by officers where he received treatment for minor injuries before being transported to the Lane County Jail where he was lodged on the listed charges.

CHARGES:
26-1404 – Assault IV APA
26-1413 – DUII, Reckless Driving, Elude by Vehicle, Elude by Foot, Criminal Mischief 1