On Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 4:10 a.m., the West Linn Police were notified of a possible intoxicated driver traveling south on Willamette Drive (Hwy 43) in West Linn.
West Linn Officer Ed Friend pulled in behind Mr. Gonzalez-Ramirez's white Ford Ranger pick-up on Willamette Drive near Mary S. Young Park, followed him for a short distance, and signaled him to stop at Willamette Drive and West A Street. Mr. Gonzalez-Ramirez accelerated away from Officer Friend, who was now joined by Officer Jason Dolan. The pursuit traveled through several neighborhoods.
As the pursuit traveled down Sun Circle the suspect vehicle slowed, but did not stop, and an adult female passenger jumped from the moving vehicle. She had been telling the driver to stop and let her out from the onset of the pursuit. She was unhurt and detained by the West Linn Police. It was later determined she was a victim.
The pursuit continued to weave throughout the neighborhoods until it was eventually brought to an end after the suspect's vehicle tires were spiked, and the Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT) was used. The vehicle pursuit ended on Hidden Springs Road and Carriage Way.
Mr. Gonzalez-Ramirez then fled on foot into the neighborhood. West Linn Officers were assisted by a K-9 Team from the Canby Police Department and officers from Lake Oswego Police Department. Officers stayed in the area and continued to search for the suspect.
Mr. Gonzalez-Ramirez eluded capture until 7:34 a.m. when West Linn Officer Tommy Newberry located him walking down Suncrest Drive at Athena Court. He was taken into custody without incident.
Mr. Gonzalez-Ramirez was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail on charges of Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Reckless Endangering, and Eluding the Police, in lieu of $272,500 bail.
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Contact Info: Sgt. Neil Hennelly 503-655-6214 ext 4498