Alleged Hazel Dell hit-and-run leads to I-5 chase into Portland

An alleged hit-and-run in the Hazel Dell Fred Meyer parking lot Friday evening evolved into a brief two-state chase down Interstate 5.

The driver and two passengers fled from the suspect vehicle after it became boxed-in due to traffic near Portland’s North Interstate Avenue and North Argyle Street, according to Clark County Sheriff’s Sgt. Dave Nelson. The two passengers were detained but the male driver was not immediately located, he said.

Deputies were called about 5:40 p.m. to Fred Meyer, 7700 N.E. Highway 99, for a non-injury hit-and-run. As two patrol vehicles arrived and attempted a traffic stop, the suspect vehicle sped off south on Highway 99. The vehicle continued onto the freeway, reaching an estimated speed of 70 mph as it approached the Interstate 5 Bridge, Nelson said.

The driver wasn’t erratic and largely maintained his speed in the left lane, he said. Other motorists moved out of the way.

Pursuing deputies got tied up in traffic in Portland and briefly lost the vehicle, which took the Delta Park exit. When they caught up to it, all of the occupants were fleeing, Nelson said, but the two passengers were detained.

“It came to a safe conclusion,” he said.

The chase lasted about 10 minutes, and the Portland Police Bureau assisted.