Portland Police Chase Fleeing Mustang, Arrest Three, Seize Guns

PORTLAND, OR — Three men in a Mustang led Portland Police on a chase into Vancouver late Thursday night, firing shots along the way, officials said Friday. The result was no injuries to officers, a crashed Mustang, three people under arrest, and Portland Police expressing gratitude to their colleagues n Vancouver.

"These suspects not only put our whole community in danger through their outrageous actions, but they tried to kill a police officer doing his duty,"Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell said. "I'm relieved that the officer was not hurt, and that the suspects were captured.

"We're extremely grateful for the assistance of the Clark County Sheriff's Office and the Vancouver Police Department."

The incident started around 10:30 p.m. around Sandy Boulevard and I-205.

The police bureau's Focused Intervention Team saw a black Mustang, blowing past stop signs and changing lanes quickly and dangerously. Officers tried to stop the car but it sped up.

At 39th and I-84, an officer from East Precinct thew down a spike strip.While it punctured two of the tires, the Mustang kept going. The officer reported that at least one person in the Mustang had fired at him.

Other officers kept following the Mustang as it shifted on to I-205 and headed to Washington. They called for help from the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Vancouver Police.

About 30 minutes later, the Mustang crashed by Northeast St. John's Road and 68th Street in Vancouver.

Police said that while the three men fled, two were quickly arrested and the third soon after with the key of K9 officers.

With the assist of a search warrant, the Mustang was searched, guns and shell casings were recovered. The three men who were arrested were booked into Clark County on Washington charges and are also being held on warrants from Oregon.

Police say that the three are:

• Cuahutemoc Hernandez, 24, was charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and additional charges from Clark County Sheriff's Office.
• Zachary M. Chronister, 27, was charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Chronister also had an outstanding parole violation warrant issued by the Oregon State Parole Board (original charge of Assault). Additional charges from Clark County Sheriff's Office.
• Jose A. Martinez, 23, of Vancouver, was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.