Junction City, OR – A Junction City man was arrested late Tuesday night after deputies say he intentionally rammed a rental box truck into a vehicle parked in a residential driveway before fleeing the scene.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 11 p.m. Tuesday to a reported hit-and-run in the 27800 block of Highway 36 East near Cheshire. Investigators learned that a box truck drove down a private driveway and struck a vehicle belonging to the victims.
Authorities identified the driver as Christopher Eugene Starnes, 46, of Junction City. Deputies say Starnes allegedly damaged a gate while leaving the property and drove away in the rental truck.
While deputies were still speaking with the victims, another caller reported that Starnes was allegedly acting disorderly nearby — walking around the property naked and holding a large knife, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies later located the box truck and conducted a traffic stop without further incident. Starnes was taken into custody, and investigators reported finding a large knife inside the vehicle.
Starnes was booked into the Lane County Jail on multiple charges, including three counts of Attempted Assault in the Fourth Degree, Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver – Property Damage, and two counts of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree. All allegations remain under investigation.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office credited the Junction City Police Department for assisting with the incident. No injuries were reported.
Residents in the area are encouraged to report any suspicious or aggressive behavior to local law enforcement.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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