Vehicle Pursuit -03/31/25
On March 29th at around 0030 hours, a Newport Police Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Matthew Pearson, 18 of Newport, after observing Pearson driving above the posted speed limit and using unlawful lighting in his green 1996 Toyota Tacoma.
Pearson, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, accelerated away from the officer and turned off his lights, attempting to elude the police officers. The Newport Police Department, with the assistance of the Lincoln County Sherriff’s Office, pursued Pearson from Newport, south on Hwy 101, to Beaver Creek Road. During the pursuit, Pearson made dangerous passes, ran multiple stop signs, drove at speeds in excess of 100mph, drove into oncoming traffic, and even drove up on the sidewalk to drive around a stopped vehicle. During the pursuit Pearson drove with his vehicle lights off and was using an external light bar to navigate. Pearson drove up North Beaver Creek Road towards the 1000 Line road, where officers temporarily lost sight of Pearson’s vehicle.
Officers continued searching the area for Pearson and located him again near 1000 Line Road, where Pearson again attempted to elude officers. During the pursuit Pearson turned up a dead-end road, attempted to hide his vehicle, and fled the area on foot.
Pearson turned himself into police later that morning. Pearson was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for the following charges:
MATTHEW PEARSON, 18
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer (Felony)
- Reckless Driving
The Newport Police Department would like to thank the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this incident.
The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Felix of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.
Information Released By: Sgt. Bales, 541-574-3348