Police: Suspect in high-speed chase tries to avoid arrest by swimming into Columbia River

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. (KPTV) - A man is in custody after police say he led them on a high-speed chase from Washington into Oregon on Monday evening.

The Longview Police Department says 27-year-old Jaden Hays was wanted on first-degree robbery and fourth-degree assault charges for an incident that occurred in Longview on June 25. Hays is accused of forcibly stealing property from a family member while threatening to kill them.

On Monday, July 1, at about 8 p.m., officers spotted Hays’ black Volkswagen at Miller’s Market. Police say officers tried to stop Hays but he took off and led officers on a pursuit that reached speeds of 120 mph.

The pursuit went across the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Oregon.

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Spike strips were used to disable Hays’ vehicle near Clatskanie. Police say Hays then tried to avoid arrest by swimming into the Columbia River. Officers were able to persuade him to return to shore, where he was taken into custody.

Hays was booked into the Columbia County Jail on charges including felony eluding, resisting arrest, and reckless driving. Police say extradition to Longview is pending.

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