Vehicle Crashes Through Store Front Doors During Tualatin Pursuit

On January 5, 2021 Tualatin Police initiated a pursuit with a vehicle that was driving with no headlights on and did not have license plates.  The pursuit lasted about 7 minutes along surface streets in Tualatin and over Interstate 5.  At some point during the pursuit an officer deployed spike strips, in an attempt to immobilize the vehicle and effectively end the pursuit.  As the spike strips were laid down in the roadway the driver of the vehicle identified as James Powell with a date of birth, July 26, 1990, swerved toward the officer nearly striking him.  One tire of the vehicle was flattened with the spike strips but the vehicle continued on the roadway until it entered the Jackson Food Store parking lot, located at 7090 SW Nyberg RD in Tualatin.  Mr. Powell drove his vehicle through the parking lot and directly into the food store through the front doors nearly striking two employees, who were standing in the doorway. 

Officers from Tualatin PD, Tigard Police, Oregon State Police and Washington County Sheriff’s Office contacted Powell who was standing outside of his vehicle, inside the store.  Officers negotiated with Powell for approximately 24 minutes until he peacefully surrendered and was taken into custody.

James Powell was later lodged at the Washington County Jail on charges of Felony Elude, Criminal Mischief in the first degree, Reckless Endangering, Reckless Driving and Interfering with a Police Officer.

Booking photos of James Powell can be obtained by contacting the Washington County Jail.