From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: August 16, 2007

Summary:

On August 11, 2007 at approximately 2:02pm, Lincoln County Sheriff's Sergeant Adam Shanks was dispatched to a two-vehicle traffic crash on North Beaver Creek Road, approximately 1/2 mile east of US Highway 101 in Seal Rock, Oregon. While responding to the location, Sergeant Shanks was informed one of the drivers involved in the crash had fled the scene on foot.

Investigation revealed a 1981 yellow Dodge Aries sedan traveling eastbound had crossed over the centerline after failing to negotiate a right-hand curve in the roadway. The sedan struck a red Honda minivan occupied by a family from Idaho that was traveling westbound toward Highway 101. No injuries were sustained in the crash.

During a subsequent search of the area, Deputy Abigail Dorsey located a male subject matching the description of the fleeing driver. After a short foot pursuit, Deputy Dorsey was able to take 24 year old Joshua Lee Steadmon into custody. A records check revealed Steadmon had a warrant for his arrest issued out of El Paso County, Colorado.

Steadmon was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on one count of being a Fugitive, one count of Fail to perform the duties of a driver (when property is damaged) and one count of Reckless driving. Steadmon's bail was set at $115,000.00.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Newport Police Department and Seal Rock Fire Department.

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