Police chase ends with suspect jumping into river near West Linn

27-year-old suspect is being treated for hypothermia at local hospital

A man driving a stolen car led police on a chase that ended in West Linn Thursday morning, as the suspect fled on foot and jumped into the Willamette River before eventually being taken into custody.

According to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), the chase began just before 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, when deputies attempted to pull over a 2008 Toyota Rav4 that had been reported stolen in Clackamas County. The suspect drove away and led police on a chase before ditching his car in West Linn's Willamette area.

At that point, the man fled on foot and jumped into the Willamette River. Soon after, he was taken into custody by CCSO Marine Deputies as well as Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue personnel.

The suspect, 27-year-old John W. Victor, was transported to a local hospital and treated for hypothermia. As of 1:50 p.m. Thursday, Victor was still being treated at that hospital, according to police.





