Truck drivers end pursuit

**Pudge** · 09-04-07, 01:33 PM

HUGE props to the drivers!! Glad there are still people out there willing to help!

BIGGS JUNCTION, Ore. -- Three truck drivers helped Oregon State Police troopers capture a man they had been chasing for more than 50 miles, reported KPTV-TV in Beaverton.

Troopers said they arrested 43-year-old Erwin Bartlett, of Chehalis, on Saturday afternoon on Interstate 84.

Police said Barlett's attempt to lose officers started in the Boardman area and ended near the John Day Dam, where the truck drivers blocked the westbound lanes of I-84.

At around 1 p.m., officers tried to stop a red 2002 Ford Taurus that reportedly had been involved in a hit-and-run crash in Union County.

Instead of pulling over, troopers said, Bartlett accelerated to speeds of more than 100 mph on westbound I-84.

Truck drivers on the highway were alerted of the chase and over CB radios coordinated a rolling roadblock using their vehicles.

As the drivers slowed their vehicles to less than 5 mph, Bartlett stopped his car in the middle of the interstate and fled on foot.

Bartlett was taken into custody a short time later and charged with felony attempt to elude in a vehicle and on foot, reckless endangerment of another person and driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Westbound I-84 was closed for about an hour during the vehicle blockage and foot chase

**Ducky** · 09-04-07, 03:13 PM

Good deal! Even some of the more drug addled minds can do the math between a personal vehicle and a semi.

**Tuff** · 09-04-07, 05:17 PM

COOL!!! Its always good to see people help out...

**lewisipso** · 09-05-07, 12:52 AM

This is just one reason I try and not write truckers.

**BEB** · 09-05-07, 02:07 AM

The worst little white cross gear jammer still isn't putting on makeup, styling their hair, reading yesterday's TPS reports or watch DVDs while driving. Bad a rep as truckers have with the public, they are at their job when met on the highway. Easy target though.

**Ianl6** · 09-05-07, 08:52 AM

As a truck driver myself i am glad to see some good press about them they done real good there,proves most are pro law enforcement.

**Pudge** · 09-05-07, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by lewisipso

This is just one reason I try and not write truckers.

I'm with ya brother. Sometimes though they just make it a little too hard on themselves. I'd say they're just like the rest of us, 95% of them are great guys and respect their jobs. 5% are morons.

And how many guys do ya'll know that have gone into driving truck from LE jobs. That's almost the norm around here.