Burglar Rams Police Cruiser During Chase In Hillsboro: Sheriff

HILLSBORO, OR — For blowing through a red light in front of a Washington County Sheriff's deputy, trying to flee, and later ramming into said deputy's patrol cruiser, Hillsboro resident Anthony Lorenzo Strohm was taken to Washington County jail early Thursday.

Strohm, 26, is charged with reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, attempting to elude police in both a vehicle and on foot, attempted assault on a public safety officer, unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of both methamphetamine and burglary tools, criminal mischief and two counts of theft.

Strohm's brief attempt to outrun police began after a Washington County Sheriff's deputy, who was just going along his slated patrol route early Aug. 16, watched as Strohm blew through a red light at Southwest 185th Avenue and West Baseline Road at the border of Beaverton and Hillsboro just before 2:30 a.m.

Driving a gray Honda Civic, Strohm nearly caused a crash going through the red light, sheriff's officials said. Once through the intersection, Strohm reportedly turned west onto West Baseline Road and quickly took off — with the deputy in close pursuit.

Less than a mile down the road Strohm turned north from Baseline onto Southwest 195th Avenue; he then quickly turned right onto Southwest Seminole Drive but found himself in a residential cul-de-sac, sheriff's officials said.

Turning the Civic around, Strohm rushed forward and slammed the Honda head-first into the Washington County deputy's police SUV. Strohm then exited the Civic and ran off into the surrounding neighborhood.

The Washington County deputy sustained minor injuries in the collision but is reportedly in fine condition. The SUV also sustained minor damage.

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After Strohm bailed, a Beaverton police officer and his K9 partner joined the search to find him.

After looking for about 7 minutes, the K9 — named Enzo — found Strohm hiding in bushes behind a home just around the corner from the cul-de-sac where he left the Honda.

After Strohm's arrest, investigating officers found a knife in one of Stohm's pockets and a handgun in the Honda; also in the Honda, officers found meth, multiple stolen license plates and burglary tools.

Deputies have not yet determined whether the Honda Civic was also stolen. They're reportedly trying to contact the vehicle's registered owner.

During the whole ordeal Strohm reportedly had with him an unidentified 23-year-old woman as a passenger in the Honda. She was not injured or apparently charged with any crimes, officials said.

Since 2014, Strohm has had three run-ins with Washington County law enforcement. From those run-ins, Strohm obtained charges and felony convictions for burglary, robbery, assault, and theft. Charges for unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm from an incident in January 2016 were later dismissed.

Images via Washington County Sheriff's Office