Traffic violation leads to chase, arrest, drug charges

Apr 08,2009 00:00 by Bend_Weekly_News_Sources

REDMOND, Ore. – A traffic violation Monday afternoon led to a police chase through the Redmond area, a high-risk felony stop, and then ultimately the arrest of the driver for an outstanding warrant, eluding and reckless driving, and methamphetamine charges.

Eric Uloalo Gibb – DCJ photo

According to Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Eggert and Sgt. Mike Biondi, a deputy tried to stop a 1986 Ford Tempo for a traffic violation near SW Canyon and SW 17th Street shortly after 2:30 p.m., April 7.

The vehicle, driven by 28-year old Redmond resident Eric Uloalo Gibb, failed to stop and at speeds of about 50-mph led a pursuit of deputies and Redmond Police officers for about ½ mile before pulling over on SW 17th Street near SW Obsidian Avenue, the news release stated.

Redmond Officers assisted deputies with a felony traffic stop, and Gibb was taken into custody without further incident, the deputies said.

A search of the vehicle, assisted by a Redmond Police K-9 drug-detecting dog, led to the discovery of methamphetamine, Biondi and Eggert said.

Gibb was transported to and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail in Bend, where he is being held in lieu of $52,500 bail. He was charged with attempting to elude; reckless driving; and possession, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance. There was also an outstanding arrest warrant for contempt of court.