Vehicle elude and reckless driving

On July, 2024 at 1830 hours, Newport Officers were attempting to locate Benjamin Arthur Palm, 45 of Newport, who had been identified as a suspect in a Criminal Trespassing investigation. Officers learned Palm was operating a black passenger car heading to an address near NE 5th and NE Douglas.

As Officers were searching the area they located Palm driving the black passenger car in the area of NE Avery Street and NE 1st Street. Palm was observed driving in an erratic manner. Newport officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Palm refused to stop and began attempting to elude officers in the vehicle. Palm turned from NE 1st Street and drove through a parking lot at a high rate of speed, then exited onto Hwy 20 without stopping, narrowly missing an oncoming vehicle. Palm continued to drive recklessly by driving in the oncoming lane of travel, making erratic turns then turning off Hwy 101 and driving through a residential area at a high rate.

Palm eventually stopped the vehicle in the area of SE 1st Street and SE Coos Street, where he refused to exit the vehicle. Officers ordered Palm to exit the vehicle multiple times but he refused. Officers had to break the driver’s side window allowing them to open the door, remove Palm, and place Palm in custody.

Palm was transported to the Lincoln Jail and lodged on the following crimes:

Benjamin Arthur Palm, 45

Attempt to Elude

Reckless Driving

Criminal Trespassing

Parole Violation

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Mangum of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.