Eugene (KMTR) Oregon State Police arrested two Washington men after they attempted to elude a trooper along Interstate 5 south of Eugene. During their attempt to elude, the suspects threw bags of marijuana at the patrol car. Troopers and deputies recovered approximately 5 pounds of marijuana along the roadway and from the car.
On December 12, 2011 at approximately 9:01 p.m. an OSP trooper stopped a 2001 Chrysler 300 displaying Washington license plates with two occupants northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 183 for a speed violation. While the trooper was contacting the driver identified as Joshua Edward Lutz, age 33, from Pacific, Washington outside of the car, the driver got back in and fled northbound on the freeway.
While attempted to elude the trooper northbound at speeds up to 110 mph, the two occupants tossed small bags of marijuana out the window toward the patrol car.
The vehicle exited the freeway at exit 188B where it stopped and the driver fled on foot. The trooper caught up to the driver about 150 yards from the car and took him into custody.
Assisting troopers helped detain the passenger identified as Nathan Garza, age 32, from Auburn, Washington.
Troopers and Lane County deputies retrieved marijuana from along the freeway and in the car. Approximately 5 pounds was seized with an estimated value of $12,000.
The two men were lodged at the Lane County Jail on the following charges:
LUTZ
* Unlawful Possession and Delivery of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana
* Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle
* Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude on Foot
* Tampering with Evidence
* Reckless Driving
GARZA
* Unlawful Delivery and Possession of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana
* Tampering with Evidence
