McMinnville, Oregon – A traffic stop in McMinnville escalated into a vehicle pursuit and armed standoff, ending with an arrest after nearly 40 minutes Saturday afternoon.
According to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, just before 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, Deputy Cameron Rose attempted to stop a silver BMW X5 on North Baker Street near Baker Creek Road for multiple observed traffic violations. The driver initially pulled over before reentering traffic and allegedly fleeing the area.
Deputies followed the vehicle as it traveled through multiple streets, including Baker to Adams Street, south on Baker to Adams, east to Ninth Street, back to Baker, then north toward Baker Creek and west on Baker Creek Road through residential neighborhoods. The pursuit ended on Northwest Haun Drive near Northwest Vohn Ranch Drive, where patrol vehicles boxed in the BMW to prevent further attempts to elude.
Authorities said the driver, identified as Matthew Rodgers, 34, of McMinnville, allegedly refused repeated commands to exit the vehicle and armed himself with a utility knife. Deputies reported Rodgers expressed intent to harm himself and continued to refuse cooperation.
Over the next 40 minutes, deputies used de-escalation techniques and engaged in negotiations. At least one attempt to disable the vehicle was unsuccessful. Due to safety concerns in the densely populated residential area, deputies eventually breached a window and deployed a pepper munition into the vehicle, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Rodgers then exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without further reported injuries.
He was booked into the Yamhill County Correctional Facility on charges including felony attempt to elude, reckless driving, and an outstanding arrest warrant. All allegations remain under investigation.
The McMinnville Fire District remained on standby during the incident, and assistance was provided by the McMinnville Police Department and Yamhill Police Department.
The incident temporarily disrupted neighborhood traffic, impacting nearby residents and evening commuters.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.
Have a tip? Message us.
