About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Marion Co. Sheriff's Office by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Marion Co. Sheriff's Office to your Twitter account or create one.
@MCSOInTheKnow
Today around 3 p.m., Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office received an attempt to locate of a vehicle involved in an incident in Washington County. The vehicle was located by our Traffic Safety Team on Interstate 5 in northern Marion County. At the time the vehicle was located deputies elected not to pursue due to the erratic nature of the driver.
The vehicle later traveled south and struck a vehicle at Chemawa Road NE and Portland Road NE. Soon after an Oregon State Trooper located the vehicle at a service station on Portland Road near Ward Drive when the Trooper attempted to contact the driver. The driver rammed the Troopers vehicle and fled the scene. A short time later the vehicle was located parked at a Space Age gas station on Cordon Road near Gaffin Road .Deputies located the river inside of the store where he was seized by a K9 and taken into custody.
The man Gale Merrill, 59 of Beaverton in currently in custody for multiple crimes. Merrill is at the Salem Hospital where he is expected to remain while he undergoes a psychological evaluation . The Sheriff's Office does not anticipate releasing any additional details.