A Hood to Coast runner is accused of stealing a pickup early Saturday morning, driving the vehicle through a field where runners were resting, driving over a runner, then fleeing the scene, officials said.

David Jon Blackmon, 36, of Bend was later taken into custody and lodged in the Columbia County Jail, accused of second degree assault, reckless driving, reckless endangering, driving while revoked, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle and driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Witnesses told authorities that at about 2 a.m. at Exchange 24 in the Birkenfeld area, a man entered a pickup belonging to a portable restroom company that was servicing its units at the exchange.

The man drove the pickup through a nearby field where runners were resting.

"Three of the resting runners were able to jump out of the way of the vehicle, one (Cynthia Gillespie of Canby) was not able to do so and was run over and dragged a short distance, before the truck stopped, resting on her leg," according to a Columbia County Sheriff's Office news release.



The driver for the portable restroom company confronted Blackmon after chasing the vehicle, the release says. A man later identified as Blackmon is believed to have exited the vehicle and dashed into nearby woods, fleeing the scene.

The news release:

"Oregon State Police responded to assist our deputy, as did a K9 from Beaverton Police Department. The K9 located Blackmon in the woods nearby, detaining him. Once Blackmon was identified by the truck's assigned driver, he was taken into custody and lodged in the Columbia County Jail."



Gillespie was taken to Oregon Health and Science University, where she was treated and released with minor injuries, the release says, adding, "The incident remains under investigation."

Dan Floyd, Hood to Coast chief operating officer, on Saturday issued a statement saying neither Blackmon nor his team, which was not identified, are welcome at future Hood to Coast relays. The full statement:

We first want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Team 714 nicknamed "They Sustained The Pain". In an emotional move, they crossed the finish line together this morning. We are so proud of them. They fought through unwarranted adversity and injury at this year's event.

Our number one priority as a race organization is to provide a safe environment for our participants, volunteers, and spectators. We want to thank local law enforcement including the Columbia County Sheriff, Clatsop County Sheriff, Mist-Birkenfeld Fire Department, and many others that responded so quickly to the situation to provide aid to Team 714. We also want to thank Honey Bucket for coming to the rescue, and our dedicated volunteers and participants.

When striving to provide the safest family-friendly experience, we rely heavily on our participants to follow laws and rules, and to look out for one another. Unfortunately, one participant, Mr. Blackmon, placed the lives and safety of other people at risk last night. His actions are deplorable and are never tolerated at one of our events. It should go without saying, but to be clear, Mr. Blackmon and his team are not welcome at our events in the future.

-- Allan Brettman