Police arrest 21-year-old after 40 mile-pursuit through 3 counties; spike strips deployed; officers crash
By Joshuah Albert
Hood River, Ore., Jan. 31, 2025 — A Portland man was arrested Thursday night after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase that spanned three counties and reached speeds of 143 mph on Interstate 84.
An Oregon State Police trooper attempted to stop a white Dodge Charger for speeding near Milepost 101 eastbound in Sherman County at about 10 p.m. The trooper put the speed of the vehicle at 92 mph. The driver, later identified as Captain Carlen Keeyes Branch, 21, of Portland, initially accelerated instead of stopping.
When the trooper activated emergency lights and sirens, the Charger sped up to 143 mph in a 70 mph zone. Due to safety concerns, the trooper did not pursue. The vehicle exited the freeway, then re-entered traveling in the opposite direction.
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office later located the vehicle and attempted another traffic stop. The driver fled again, leading deputies on a chase through multiple jurisdictions. The pursuit continued until spike strips were deployed in Hood River, successfully disabling the vehicle.
After a successful spike strip deployment near Milepost 61, a Hood River Police Department Officer in a Ford Explorer was channeled into the median by an uninvolved commercial motor vehicle.
The HRPD Officer had to rapidly slow to avoid crashing in the median, and a Hood River Sheriff’s Office Deputy in a Ford F-150 could not slow quickly enough to avoid rear-ending the Officer.
Agencies coordinated their own tows. Neither driver reported injuries, but were taken to Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital per supervisor direction.
Branch was taken into custody and lodged at NORCOR (Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility). He was charged with attempting to elude and reckless driving. He remained in jail as of this afternoon at 2:30 p.m.
The Charger was towed by River’s Edge Towing in Hood River for community caretaking. No injuries or property damage were reported.
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