The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office arrested one of the two suspects involved in an incident that left a Hermiston police officer injured.
Lucia Madrigal, 30, of Boardman, was taken into custody on Saturday afternoon by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office and lodged in the Umatilla County Jail on allegations of unauthorized use of a vehicle and first-degree criminal mischief.
Hermiston police are still trying to locate Nathan Olney, 36, of Hermiston. Hermiston police believe he is armed and are asking the public to call 911 or 541-567-5519 if they have information about his location.
The officer injured in the incident early Saturday morning says he’s feeling fine and intends to come back to work soon. Lt. Randy Studebaker said the officer has passed along his gratitude for the public’s support and concern.
The incident began around 3 a.m. Saturday morning when Hermiston police stopped a 2014 Toyota Camry for a minor traffic violation near the intersection of N.E. Third Street and E. Gladys Avenue. Upon reviewing the documents provided by Olney, the officer learned the car had switched license plates. Suspecting the vehicle was stolen, he called for backup and a second officer arrived.
The officers were attempting to detain Olney and his passenger, Madrigal, when the vehicle sped away. The backup officer became entangled on the passenger side of the suspect vehicle. He was dragged for approximately 30 yards before being thrown free. The first officer stayed to help his partner instead of chasing the suspects, who were able to escape.
The injured officer was treated and released after receiving 15 to 20 stitches and having glass removed from his skin.
Officers found the vehicle, abandoned, a short while later. They searched the car and found it contained stolen tools and electronics from a burglary that occurred outside the city of Hermiston.
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