Domestic violence suspect arrested near Charbonneau after fleeing police

A domestic violence suspect was arrested near Charbonneau on Monday, May 6, in a collaboration between Oregon State Police and other local law enforcement.

A press release from Oregon State Police said 33-year-old Matthew James Rodgers from McMinnville was taken into custody in a field off of Northeast Eilers Road near Charbonneau after attempting to flee from police in Salem. Rodgers was charged with burglary, attempt to elude police, reckless driving, reckless endangering, criminal mischief, fourth- degree domestic assault, strangulation, domestic harassment, domestic coercion and unlawful use of a weapon, the release said.

At around 11:50 a.m. on May 6, troopers from the Salem Patrol Office spotted the suspect’s vehicle on 72nd Avenue near Joseph Street Southeast, east of Salem, according to the press release. The troopers were investigating a domestic assault that allegedly occurred the previous evening on Highway 214 near Silver Falls State Park.

The release said the suspect escaped troopers and drove northbound on I-5 at speeds over 115 mph. The vehicle, pursued by Salem Patrol Office troopers and Salem Police Department officers, ultimately became stuck in the field near Charbonneau.

Rodgers was armed with a hatchet and refused to exit the vehicle, according to the release. After unsuccessful negotiations, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deployed a chemical irritant into the vehicle. The suspect was arrested after leaving the vehicle.

Salem Police Department, Woodburn Police Department, Canby Police Department and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office assisted Oregon State Police in the arrest. Wilsonville Police Chief Robert Wurpes said in an email that Wilsonville police went to the scene in case assistance was needed, but left because there were “plenty of police on scene.”

The press release said the investigation is ongoing.