Lincoln County, OR. — On January 10, 2026, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a vehicle being driven recklessly through an active construction zone near Milepost 106 on Highway 101, nearly striking workers and running over traffic cones.
At approximately 8:37 a.m., a deputy located the vehicle as it entered Newport city limits at a high rate of speed while traveling in the oncoming lane. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield.
Assisted by the Newport Police Department and the Oregon State Police, deputies pursued the vehicle southbound through Newport and the community of Seal Rock. Authorities said the driver continued to flee at speeds ranging from 90 to 110 miles per hour.
The suspect, later identified as Jonathan Grimm, turned off Highway 101 near Northwest Fox Creek and continued attempting to elude officers before arriving at a residence. Grimm then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended without further incident.
Lincoln City Police assisted with the investigation and confirmed that the vehicle involved in the pursuit was the same vehicle that endangered highway workers earlier that morning.
Grimm was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges including Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Reckless Endangerment of Highway Workers, and Attempt to Elude.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office thanked all partnering agencies for their assistance in the apprehension.
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