Eugene, OR – An armed felon was taken into custody late Sunday night after allegedly fleeing deputies and crashing a vehicle in a residential area of Eugene, according to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
According to deputies, the incident began around 11 p.m. on Monday, December 29, when a sheriff’s deputy noticed a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer stopped in the middle of Irving Road in the River Road area. When the deputy attempted to turn around, the driver allegedly sped off at a high rate of speed. Due to traffic and the residential setting, the deputy did not pursue directly.
Authorities said deputies continued to monitor the vehicle as it was driven recklessly along River Road. A coordinated plan was made with assisting agencies to deploy spike strips to safely slow the vehicle. Before deputies could position themselves, the SUV reportedly left the roadway and struck a concrete curb, flattening both driver-side tires.
Despite the damage, deputies said the driver continued for several miles before eventually stopping and surrendering without further incident.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies allegedly found a pistol, two daggers, ammunition, and substances that tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The driver, identified as Tyler Gene Dendy, 58, of Eugene, was lodged at the Lane County Jail. According to authorities, Dendy is a convicted felon and faces multiple charges, including:
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer by Vehicle
- Four counts of Reckless Driving
- Recklessly Endangering
- Three counts of Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon
- Possession of Firearm or Ammunition by a Prohibited Person
- Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine
- Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office credited Junction City Police for assisting with the arrest
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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