High-speed pursuit ends with man entering Columbia River

CHELAN — A man is facing potential charges after authorities say he fled from a Chelan County sheriff’s deputy at speeds estimated as high as 100 mph, abandoned his vehicle on the Beebe Bridge and entered the Columbia River.

A Chelan County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop the vehicle at about 9:40 p.m. Aug. 17 after observing it traveling an estimated 80 to 100 mph on East Woodin Avenue. The vehicle did not stop and continued south on State Route 150 before entering U.S. Highway 97 and crossing into Douglas County.

Authorities later found the vehicle stopped and unoccupied in the middle of the Beebe Bridge. Deputies contacted a registered owner, who said her husband was likely driving and expressed concern that he may have entered the river from the bridge.

The Chelan County and Douglas County sheriff’s offices and Washington State Patrol searched the area. State Patrol later located the man near Chelan Falls Park and took him into custody without incident.

He was transported for medical evaluation, and authorities also requested a Designated Crisis Responder.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the man acknowledged entering the river from the bridge. Deputies also reported observing signs of possible alcohol impairment.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, which was collected and submitted for testing.

Potential charges of attempting to elude a police vehicle and driving under the influence have been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review.

The Sheriff’s Office did not identify the man in its Aug. 18 release. No charges had been announced as filed in the release, and the allegations remain subject to prosecutorial review.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media