Washington Law enforcement officers responded to a reported domestic assault and robbery in Cowlitz County, Washington, on November 11, 2021. The suspect, who was later identified as 53-year-old John Sanford Thralls of Longview, had fled the scene of the incident prior to the arrival of the officers. Mr. Thralls' vehicle was later spotted in the city of Rainier by Rainier Police Department (RPD) Officers. RPD followed the southbound vehicle on Highway 30 for a short time before being joined by an Oregon State Police (OSP) vehicle. While following the suspect vehicle, the officers witnessed it illegally pass another vehicle, prompting OSP Troopers to activate their lights in an attempt to stop Mr. Thralls. The suspect failed to yield to law enforcement officers and began driving recklessly. The pursuit was terminated a short time later due to public safety concerns.

Law enforcement vehicles followed Mr. Thralls' vehicle from a safe distance and OSP Troopers successfully “spiked” the vehicle, causing at least one tire to deflate. Deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and Officers from the St. Helens Police Department set up additional spike strips ahead of the suspect vehicle in an attempt to safely stop Mr. Thralls. Mr. Thralls resumed driving recklessly, nearly colliding with other vehicles, before conducting a U-turn and driving northbound on Highway 30. Shortly thereafter, Thralls drove towards an OSP patrol vehicle, which was forced to leave the roadway to avoid colliding with Mr. Thralls.

Two Troopers in a single OSP vehicle were parked across from Dyno Nobel, preparing to deploy additional spike strips to stop Mr. Thralls' vehicle. The suspect then drove towards the parked patrol vehicle at a high rate of speed. One Trooper was able to safely move away from the OSP vehicle just before Mr. Thralls' vehicle collided with it. The second Trooper, Trooper Jeffries, was unable to sufficiently distance himself from the patrol vehicle and was critically injured during the collision.

After initially refusing to comply with commands from law enforcement officers to exit the vehicle, Mr. Thralls was promptly taken into custody without further incident.  He was transported to Emanuel Hospital to be treated for injuries he sustained during the crash. 

Law enforcement officers on the scene provided emergency medical aid to Trooper Jeffries until Columbia River Fire Rescue arrived to take charge of caring for the injured trooper. Trooper Jeffries was transported to Emanuel hospital in critical condition. 

John Thralls was transported to the Columbia County Jail on November 17, and booked on three charges of Attempted Murder, one charge of Assault I, and one charge of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer(s) in a vehicle. 

“I would like to personally thank all of the outside agencies who have stepped up to help with this difficult and complex situation. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Tualatin Police Department, Forest Grove Police Department, Tigard Police Department, and the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office all contributed to the investigation,” said Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley. 

CCSO joins the FBI and the Oregon State Police in asking that you continue to keep Trooper Jeffries, his family, friends, and agency in your prayers as he continues to recover from these serious injuries.