Police are looking for a 20-year old California man who ran from a trooper during a traffic stop near on Intersate-5 near Ashland Friday morning. Authorities say they found 21 pounds of marijuana in the suspect’s vehicle, and that he may be headed to the Salem area.
Pedro Lopez Cruz ran east from the freeway while he was stopped by an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper about 7 a.m. April 13, on I-5 near milepost 10.
Troopers and drug enforcement detectives obtained a search warrant for Cruz’s 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and seized about 21 pounds of marijuana that had been stuffed inside a large duffle bag in the rear of the Oregon-licensed vehicle.
OSP seized 21 pounds of marijuana from a vehicle driven by Pedro Lopez Cruz (inset). The suspect ran from the trooper during a traffic stop, and is currently at large - OSP photos
Troopers say they have no information to indicate the suspect is armed, but they do have probable cause to arrest him for felony drug charges and attempting to elude police officers.
Cruz may be on foot, or may be trying to hitchhike from the area. He is described as a Hispanic male, 5-foot 9-inches tall, weighing 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Cruz was last seen wearing a white tee-shirt and baggy blue jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP Southern Command Center dispatch at (541) 664-4600.