Driver arrested after chase ends in Oregon

A Kelso man was arrested after a police chase that started in Ridgefield, Washington and ended in Clatskanie.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Kelso man was arrested after a police chase that started in Ridgefield, Washington and ended in Clatskanie.

The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office said Gergorio Layna, 35, tried to steal an occupied car after putting the driver in a headlock, but wasn’t able to start the car.

Layna then ran away from officers and later got away in a Ford F150 that was reported stolen from St. Helens, the sheriff’s office said.

St. Helens police said the owner saw the truck being stolen and tried to jump into the car to stop the suspect, but fell.

Authorities said Layna was going more than 100 mph, swerving to avoid spike strips and at one point intentionally swerved toward a deputy laying down spike strips on I-5.

Layna got off I-5, hit a car stopped at a red light and continued evading authorities on Highway 30.

The chase finally ended when Layna hit a deputy’s car and was pinned by other patrol cars. He tried to run but deputies used a taser and K9 to arrest him.

The driver hit on I-5 was not hurt but one Cowlitz deputy was cut by broken glass.

Layna was arrested by Oregon State Police and faces charges for the pursuit in Oregon. The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office will also be filing charges for attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen vehicle, assault 2nd degree, hit and run – attended vehicle and resisting arrest.