Two men, both registered sex offenders, were arrested by Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers, with the assistance of Eugene Police Department, late Monday night following an attempt to elude off Beltline Road and Northwest Expressway. During the incident, a loaded handgun was found inside the vehicle from which the passenger fled on foot before he was caught by police.
On June 3, 2013 at approximately 11:35 p.m., an OSP trooper was conducting a traffic stop westbound on Beltline Road near Northwest Expressway. While standing next to the stopped vehicle, a passenger car failed to move over into the next lane as it passed the trooper. The trooper got back in his patrol car and pulled out to stop the vehicle. After activating overhead emergency lights, the vehicle sped up and took the Northwest Expressway off ramp where its driver lost control due to high speed. As the vehicle braked, it went straight through the stop sign and across the expressway lanes into grass.
After coming to a stop, both front doors opened and the passenger fled on foot. The trooper detained the driver at gunpoint until assisting officers from Eugene Police Department and OSP arrived. A search of the area also led to the arrest of the passenger a short time later.
While searching the driver, identified as JASON LEE BRANDNER, age 32, from Eugene, the trooper discovered a gun holster tucked into the back of his pants. A loaded handgun was later found inside the vehicle. A small amount of methamphetamine and other evidence believed associated with BRANDNER was also seized.
BRANDNER was lodged in the Lane County Jail on the following charges:
* Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle
* Felon in Possession of a Firearm
* Reckless Driving
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person
* Misdemeanor Driving While Suspended
* Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Methamphetamine
* Possession of a Forged Document
* Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
The passenger was identified as CHRISTOPHER RAY BELLER, age 34, from Eugene. He was arrested for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Hindering Prosecution.
Photograph Sources:
Brandner - Lane County Sheriff's Office
Beller - OSP
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
On June 3, 2013 at approximately 11:35 p.m., an OSP trooper was conducting a traffic stop westbound on Beltline Road near Northwest Expressway. While standing next to the stopped vehicle, a passenger car failed to move over into the next lane as it passed the trooper. The trooper got back in his patrol car and pulled out to stop the vehicle. After activating overhead emergency lights, the vehicle sped up and took the Northwest Expressway off ramp where its driver lost control due to high speed. As the vehicle braked, it went straight through the stop sign and across the expressway lanes into grass.
After coming to a stop, both front doors opened and the passenger fled on foot. The trooper detained the driver at gunpoint until assisting officers from Eugene Police Department and OSP arrived. A search of the area also led to the arrest of the passenger a short time later.
While searching the driver, identified as JASON LEE BRANDNER, age 32, from Eugene, the trooper discovered a gun holster tucked into the back of his pants. A loaded handgun was later found inside the vehicle. A small amount of methamphetamine and other evidence believed associated with BRANDNER was also seized.
BRANDNER was lodged in the Lane County Jail on the following charges:
* Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle
* Felon in Possession of a Firearm
* Reckless Driving
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person
* Misdemeanor Driving While Suspended
* Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Methamphetamine
* Possession of a Forged Document
* Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
The passenger was identified as CHRISTOPHER RAY BELLER, age 34, from Eugene. He was arrested for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Hindering Prosecution.
Photograph Sources:
Brandner - Lane County Sheriff's Office
Beller - OSP
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###