Reckless driver, throughout northwest area of Bend, caught last night

 Bend Police Dept.

On Tuesday, February 2, 2021 around 10:38 p.m., Bend Police received a report that someone was disturbing neighbors in the area of the COCC campus parking lot by “doing cookies” and revving their engine loudly.  The caller drove to the parking lot and confronted the driver asking him to stop. The driver, later identified as Jonathan Erickson did not stop and followed the caller for about 20 minutes with his lights and light bar on bright, throughout the northwest area of Bend.  The caller told law enforcement he was able to turn down several streets in an attempt to get away from Jonathan Erickson. 

Bend Police were enroute to the area to attempt to locate the silver Toyota pickup when the caller reported on 911 that Jonathan Erickson was following him again.  Bend Police were able to locate Jonathan Erickson in his vehicle on NE 3rd at NE Kearney Avenue. An officer attempted to stop Jonathan Erickson at NE 3rd Street and NE Greenwood, but he drove around a vehicle and onto the sidewalk in an attempt to elude the officer.

Jonathan Erickson sped away from the officer as he drove towards downtown Bend at a high rate of speed.  The officer did not pursue him as the road conditions were icy and covered by snow.

Bend Police located Jonathan Erickson’s Toyota pickup again near NW Wall Street and the southbound Parkway ramp.  Jonathan Erickson continued to drive at a high rate of speed and he missed the turn to go southbound while his vehicle went over the center median and he traveled north in the southbound lanes of the Parkway. Jonathan Erickson nearly struck two vehicles head on as they were southbound on the Parkway.

Deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were set up in multiple locations with spike strips, but Erickson did not drive through any of the locations.

The Toyota pickup was located again by Bend Officers on NE Division at NE Harriman when Jonathan Erickson crashed into a tree. When an officer attempted to stop him again, he reversed his Toyota pickup and nearly struck the officers vehicle. After driving off, Jonathan Erickson crashed into a power box, causing a power outage in the area. 

As officers were pursing Jonathan Erickson, he drove toward Newport Bridge and lost control of his vehicle. Officers attempt to block Jonathan Erickson’s vehicle to get him to stop, but he drove in reverse and rammed into two City of Bend Patrol cars, causing damage.

Jonathan Erickson continued to drive recklessly as officers witnessed him turn into 2500 NW Regency and he ran into an apartment.  Officers were preparing a search warrant when Jonathan Erickson came out of the apartment and he was arrested, without incident. Jonathan Erickson taken to the Deschutes County Adult Jail where he was lodged.

 

Jonathan Erickson’s Charges:

Driving while suspended, misdemeanor

6 counts of Reckless Driving

3 counts of Reckless Endangering

3 counts of Hit and Run

3 counts of Attempted Assault II

3 counts of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Felony

2 counts of Criminal Mischief I