Redmond man arrested after allegedly driving 80 mph in chase
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, February 27, 2019
- Photo taken after a Feb. 21 Redmond Police chase. (Submitted photo/Redmond Police)
A Redmond man was arrested with more than five grams of heroin Feb. 21 after allegedly leading police on a chase at speeds up to 80 mph, according to a Redmond Police news release.
An officer saw a car driven by Randy Lee Cooper, 26, around 5:25 p.m., police said. The officer attempted to stop Cooper near the intersection of NW Maple Avenue and NW Fourth Street because the officer suspected Cooper of driving with a suspended license and without insurance, police said. Police said Cooper was also suspected of being involved in distributing controlled substances.
Cooper did not stop and drove away, reaching a speed more than 80 mph as he crossed the Maple Avenue Bridge toward NW 19th Street, police said. Cooper continued driving through a construction zone where Northwest Way is closed for water and sewer line construction, police said.
As the chase reached NW Pershall Way near NW Coyner Avenue, an Oregon State Police trooper deployed Stop Sticks, which are designed to slowly deflate a suspect’s tires, police said. The chase continued as two of Cooper’s tires deflated, before he stopped and left the car near SW Juniper Avenue and SW 13th Street, police said. A passenger remained in the car and complied with orders, police said.
A K-9 unit was deployed and Cooper was found with more than five grams of heroin and other controlled substances in a nearby yard after a search, police said.
Cooper faces numerous charges, including felony counts of fleeing or attempt to elude and unlawful possession of heroin, police said. Other charges include misdemeanor attempt to elude, delivery of heroin, methamphetamine possession, reckless driving, interfering with a police officer, recklessly endangering another person and driving while suspended, police said.