Eugene, Ore. – At 8:36 p.m. on November 29, Eugene Police officers responded to a home in the Santa Clara area where there was a report of an armed dispute between a man and a woman.
The man, later identified as THOMAS ODELL ADAMS, age 47, of Elmira, was reported to have pointed a firearm at the woman and the woman was no longer responding to 911. Eugene Police officers were quickly dispatched and just prior to arrival, they were informed Adams had left in a Dodge Charger. He was reported to be intoxicated and still armed with a handgun.
An EPD sergeant located Adams’ vehicle as it turned onto Beltline Highway westbound from River Road. Adams accelerated and began to elude. Based on the totality of the circumstances and the nature of the call, a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit continued to W. 11th Avenue and went westbound on Hwy 126 to Ellmaker Road, east of Veneta. The sergeant was able to forcibly stop the vehicle and together with an EPD officer pinned. Other arriving officers supported the felony stop. Adams did not cooperate with commands and officers had to resort to breaking out a tinted window to facilitate observation of Adams as well as communicate.
Adams was taken into custody at 9:03 p.m., without further incident. During the subsequent investigation, the Dodge Charger was found to be stolen out of another county and had switched plates. A firearm from the incident was recovered.
Adams was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Menacing APA (abuse prevention act), Coercion, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Pointing a Firearm at Another, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Felony Elude, DUII, and Reckless Driving.
Case 22-18023
(Information from EPD)
