On August 3, 2026 at about 12:36pm, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a gray Jeep Wrangler driving southbound in the center lane of Highway 101 near Milepost 143, South Beach, Oregon. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop by activating their emergency lights but the Jeep failed to stop and continued southbound on Highway 101. The Jeep continued driving recklessly as deputies pursued the vehicle.

Spike strips were successfully deployed near Milepost 153 but the Jeep continued southbound passing through Waldport. Deputies observed the driver waving a firearm (handgun) out the window at one point and then observed gunshots coming from the vehicle south of Patterson State Park. The driver of the vehicle attempted to turn around in the highway near the intersection of Highway 101 and SW Whitecap Drive (Milepost 158). A deputy struck the Jeep with his patrol vehicle which stopped the vehicle from continuing.

The driver, identified as 32-year-old Waldport resident Demar Jabary Soto, was taken into custody without further incident. Soto was transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital for a medical evaluation before being lodged in the Lincoln County Jail on charges of Attempted Assault I, Attempted Assault on a Police Officer, Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, Criminal Mischief I, Disorderly Conduct, Reckless Driving, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. Oregon State Police is assisting with the investigation which is ongoing. None of the involved deputies were injured during the incident and it is not believed any members of the public were harmed.

There is no further risk to the community, however, Highway 101 traffic is currently being diverted to avoid the investigation area. Southbound traffic is being diverted onto SW Range Drive/S Crestline Drive/ SW Wakonda Beach Road to avoid the impacted area. Northbound highway traffic is being diverted onto SW Wakonda Beach Road/S Crestline Drive/SW Range Drive.

News Source : https://www.facebook.com/839531794874023/posts/1527551806072015