24-year-old "intentionally" wrecks on I-84 in high-speed chase

Wednesday, Aug. 5, 8:58 p.m. Narrative by Trooper Jonathon Swiger

On August 5, 2020, at approximately 8:58 PM I heard Deputy Beard with the Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office advise Frontier Dispatch he was trying to a stop a silver Toyota Corolla for speeding in excess of 100 MPH on I-84 WB near MP 121 in Gilliam County (that’s a bout 12 miles east of Rufus) Deputy Beard reported the Toyota abruptly slowed down and then attempted to elude at a high speed before the driver intentionally swerved to the right and crashed into the guard rail. I advised Dispatch I would be responding from The Dalles to assist. As I was responding I heard Deputy Beard report the suspect was actively resisting arrest. I responded “Code 3” to assist. The suspect actively resisted arrest for approximately 10 minutes before Deputy Beard reported he was taken into custody. I arrived after the suspect was taken into custody. The suspect admitted he intentionally crashed his car into the guard rail. Deputy Beard sustained minor injuries due to the suspect’s active resistance. I took digital photos of the scene and will be completing the crash report. At the request of Gilliam County Sheriff Gary Bettencourt I transported the suspect to Mid Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles for Medical Clearance. I then transported the suspect to NORCOR and lodged him for Gilliam County. The suspect, Erick Douglas Switzder, 24, no address given, was charged with Felony Eluding, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Criminal Mischief, Resisting Arrest, and Assaulting a Public Safety Officer.