Location: Springfield, OR | Eugene, OR
Case Number: 2407649
Date/Time: 10.26.24 @ 2350hrs
More Information: spdpi@wordpress-1259972-5024272.cloudwaysapps.com
Completed By: Zak Gosa-Lewis, Public Information Coordinator
INVOLVED SUSPECT:
Benson, Payton Charles 31 Year-Old Male | Springfield, OR
NARRATIVE OF INCIDENT:
On October 26, 2024 at 2350hrs a Springfield Police Department Officer observed two vehicles exit a roundabout at a high rate of speed as they appeared to be racing. The officer attempted to stop the vehicles, but they increased speed and attempted to elude the officer. Eventually, one of the vehicles slowed and stopped on the side of the road.
The remaining vehicle continued to drive recklessly, passing through the Glenwood area and into Eugene. As SPD continued to pursue the suspect, units from the Eugene Police Department responded to assist. SPD Dispatch was able to confirm that the suspect vehicle was also stolen.
Eventually, the suspect intentionally slowed and exited the vehicle as the vehicle continued to roll away. As the vehicle struck a curb and came to a stop, officers were able to apprehend the vehicle’s passenger. The driver (Benson) ran towards an area with thick vegetation as officers from multiple agencies arrived on scene.
K9 teams from both SPD and LCSO were able to coordinate with operators from the Metro Drone team, who spotted a large heat signature that they believed to be Benson. After nearly an hour of searching the area, officers were able to arrest Benson without further incident.
Benson was arrested on the charges below and lodged at the Lane County Jail. Benson was found to have multiple outstanding warrants and was connect to an open Theft III case that SPD was investigating.
CHARGES:
2407649: Reckless Endangering | Possession of a Stolen Vehicle | DUII | Reckless Driving | Elude – Vehicle | Additional: Theft III – Deception | Warrant: FTA, FTC, FTP, PV, SC
