Eugene, Ore. – At 8:51 p.m., on April 28, a caller to 911 reported a dispute at a home in the 1100 block of Elizabeth. A man was reported to be intoxicated and punching holes in the walls. He was also reported to have armed himself with a firearm and left in a Ford F250 pickup.
An officer located the man and followed him out of the area. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the man, later identified as Joseph Michael Beyerlin, age 44, refused to yield but otherwise followed most traffic laws. He twice stopped in the middle of the road and waved officers by him. Officers continued following and successfully deployed stop sticks on the vehicle, but Beyerlin kept driving.
Officers made numerous attempts to forcefully stop the vehicle and finally near Echo Hollow and Willhi, an officer was able to get the truck stopped. However, Beyerlin drove the truck forward and rammed a patrol car as the officer attempted a front pin. Officers used OC spray from a safe distance, which eventually coaxed Beyerlin out of his truck. They located a handgun in the vehicle.
The officer whose SUV was rammed had non-life-threatening injuries and did not require transport. Four EPD vehicles sustained varying degrees of damage. Joseph was lodged at the Lane County Jail for DUII, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Elude by Vehicle, and Assault on a Peace Officer. Case 23-06134
(Information from EPD – photo from Eric Garrahy)
