News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Suspect crashes vehicle, suffers minor injuries after attempt to elude Sheriff's Office deputy on Hwy. 26 near Sandy

Posted: Oct. 26, 2011, 6:09 p.m.

Crash-scene photos: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]

Please reference Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Case #11-32265

Today (Oct. 26, 2011) at 4:09 p.m., a Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputy attempted to stop a blue 1991 Hyundai 2-door on Hwy. 26 near Brightwood for speeding.

The driver of the vehicle -- later identified as 51-year-old Andrew Duane Nelson, of Sandy -- failed to stop and continued westbound on Hwy 26.

An Oregon State Police trooper deployed spike strips on Hwy. 26 near Vista Loop Drive to stop the vehicle. As Mr. Nelson approached the spike strips, he swerved his vehicle and lost control.

Mr. Nelson's Hyudai hit a curb and crossed Hwy. 26 -- where it struck the side diesel tank of a stopped tractor-trailer truck.

The driver of the tractor-trailer truck had been warned by the police sirens and lights and seen the approaching vehicle. This allowed him enough time to come to a complete stop before Mr. Nelson's vehicle crashed into his truck.

The driver of the tractor-trailer truck was not injured.

Andrew Nelson was transported by AMR to Legacy Emanuel Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

During the chase, Mr. Nelson threw a beer can out of the moving vehicle. Several more beer cans were recovered from his car. It is suspected Mr. Nelson was under the influence of intoxicants.

Mr. Nelson's driving privileges had been revoked in Oregon. He will be charged with Driving While Misdemeanor Revoked.

Mr. Nelson will also be charged with Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer.

Mr. Nelson had a warrant for his arrest for Probation Violation of a previous Disorderly Conduct conviction.

The Oregon State Police and the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office are continuing the investigation at the crash scene.

ODOT is assisting with traffic control, and Hwy. 26 is currently reduced to two lanes of travel. Traffic is slow in the area.

Please reference Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Case #11-32265.

[END]

Contact Info:
James Rhodes, Sergeant
Office of Public Information
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office