Fleeing Suspect Causes Three-Car Crash Before Arrest In Beaverton

BEAVERTON, OR — A man suspected of hit and run in Beaverton last week was reportedly arrested Wednesday afternoon after causing a three-car crash while trying to escape a police pursuit.

Chase Michael Larrazabal, 26, was taken to Washington County Jail and charged with assault, attempt to elude, reckless driving, criminal mischief, and hit and run. His bail is set at more than $35,000.

According to Beaverton police spokesman Jeremy Shaw, officers were dispatched at 2:15 p.m. July 18 to the area near Southwest Erickson Avenue and Southwest Larson Street after they received a report two people — a man and a woman — were possibly "casing houses."

The witness also reported the man, after being confronted about his business in the neighborhood, mentioned having a gun, Shaw said.

When Beaverton officers arrived in the area and found the suspects, they recognized Larrazabal as the same guy who fled from police after a hit and run incident one week ago. But as the officers saw Larrazabal, he also saw them.

In another attempt to flee, Larrazabal reportedly rammed three Beaverton patrol cars before turning south onto Southwest Murray Boulevard.

Police officers chased Larrazabal until he crashed his Mercury Mountaineer into a Lexus sedan and Toyota Tacoma at the intersection of Southwest Murray and Southwest Teal boulevards. Larrazabal's vehicle ultimately ended up partially submerged in the Murrayhill Pond.

Afterward, as police caught up to the crash, Larrazabal tried to pass as a witness to the incident, Shaw said. But his ruse was apparently foiled pretty quick and he was arrested.

The Lexus driver, a 66-year-old woman, reportedly sustained serious injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital by ambulance. A passenger in the Toyota was also taken to hospital "for precautionary measures," Shaw said.

Larrazabal and his unidentified female companion were taken to hospital before officers took Larrazabal to jail. The woman, 35, was questioned and released without charges, Shaw said.

Details about the incident last week for which Larrazabal is a suspect will be released at a later date, Shaw said.

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Larrazabal, at the time of his arrest, had three warrants related to three separate theft incidents in April and May. Larrazabal was already found guilty for the April theft charge but was awaiting court dates for the other two.

This post will be updated.

Images via Beaverton Police Department