Vehicle Pursuit Ends In Arrest (Photo) - 03/20/26

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at approximately 7:42 p.m., a deputy was traveling east on Highway 228 near First Avenue in Sweet Home, when they observed an oncoming vehicle traveling westbound.  The oncoming vehicle, a 2010 grey Mazda 3, passed the deputy at a high rate of speed with no lights on.  The Deputy observed the Mazda cross over into the oncoming lane and continued at a high rate of speed without lights on.

The deputy activated their emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop. The Mazda failed to stop and continued driving in the oncoming lane.   The deputy recognized the Mazda was a danger to the public before and after initiating the traffic stop and began pursuing the vehicle.  During the pursuit, the Mazda continued to enter the opposite lane of travel around blind corners and on blind hills, without their lights on.

As the vehicle continued, it forced three other vehicles off the roadway, nearly causing a collision.  The deputy was unable to stop and identify the drivers of the vehicles that were forced off the roadway and continued to pursue the Mazda as it posed a danger to the public.

The pursuit continued onto Upper Calapooia Drive, when the Mazda finally stopped in the middle of the road.  The driver, identified as Rachel Adams, 32 of Sweet Home, was taken into custody without further incident. The deputy found Adams showed signs of impairment.  Adams was transported to the Linn County Jail where a search warrant was obtained for a breath sample.  Adams blew a .20% BAC, over twice the legal limit. Adams was lodged at the Linn County Jail for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude (felony), DUII and Reckless Driving. 

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the drivers of the vehicles that were forced off the roadway on Wednesday evening to call in with additional information. Their statements are valuable to the investigation. Those with information are encouraged to call the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at (541)-967-3950.

MOTOR VEHICLE VS. TRAIN CRASH WITH CRITICAL INJURIES (Photo) - 03/16/26

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on March 14, 2026, at approximately 3:47 a.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call of a motor vehicle versus train crash at the intersection of Powerline Rd and Hwy 99 near Harrisburg, Linn County, Oregon.

The initial deputy observed the driver inside the vehicle was unresponsive but breathing.  Emergency personnel from Harrisburg Fire District and Central Lane Paramedics from Eugene/Springfield arrived and rendered medical aid. The driver, later identified as, Jon McKibben (age 72) from Terrebonne, Oregon, was transported to Riverbend Hospital for further treatment and remains in critical condition.

The investigation revealed McKibben turned onto Powerline Rd from Hwy 99, then proceeded to drive northbound onto the train tracks, traveling about fifty feet before getting stuck on the tracks.  McKibben’s vehicle was facing west (perpendicular to the tracks), and the train collided with the right rear quarter panel and passenger area, causing the vehicle to spin, and come to final rest blocking the north bound lane of Hwy 99.  The Union Pacific cargo train was traveling south when it collided with Mc Kibben’s vehicle. 

Deputies continued to work on the investigation, which included serving a search warrant to obtain McKibben’s blood for testing for the presence of alcohol, as evidence indicated alcohol was a contributing factor. At this time, it is unknown why McKibben drove down the tracks.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by Harrisburg Fire District, Central Lane Paramedics, Union Pacific, and Oregon Department of Transportation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office (541) 967-3950.