VEHICLE PURSUIT ENDS IN ARREST

Posted March 20, 2026 12:26 pm

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 his 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.

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VEHICLE PURSUIT ENDS IN ARREST