After a chase that was called off because of high speeds, a driver who attempted to elude police for a traffic stop crashed into bollards outside Dan’s Pawn Shop.
A Salem man was arrested on a slew of drug-related and other charges after attempting to elude a Keizer police officer on River Road North and then crashing into bollards outside Dan’s Pawn Shop.
On March 25, shortly before 9 a.m., a sergeant with the traffic safety unit attempted to stop a white, 2005 Mercedes for speeding near the intersection of River Road North and Dearborn Avenue Northeast.
The driver rapidly accelerated south on River Road, attempting to elude the motorcycle officer. The officer ended the pursuit as the fleeing vehicle reached 70 miles per hour.
Eric Phillips
Seconds later, callers alerted 9-1-1 that the Mercedes had crashed into the pawn shop at 3380 River Road North. At least two people were near the building at the time of the crash, but neither was injured.
The driver fled the scene on foot and Salem Police Department K9 officer found him hiding in bushes in the 700 block of Plymouth Drive Northeast. He surrendered to the officers and was arrested without incident.
A 24-year-old female passenger in the car was hurt, but required no treatment.
The driver was identified as Eric Joseph Phillips, 25. He was taken to the Marion County Jail and charged with reckless endangering (three counts), reckless driving, felony hit-and-run, felony attempt to elude, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, attempt to elude on foot, first-degree criminal mischief and being a felon in possession of body armor.
Bail was set at $180,000.