An Ontario man’s life was saved after he was pulled from a badger hole that he was hiding in after fleeing from police.
On Nov. 3 at around 7:30 a.m., an OSP Trooper was on patrol and located an occupied stolen vehicle, a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe, in Ontario and attempted a traffic stop in the parking lot of a Jack in the Box.
The driver drove away, jumped a curb, and was pursued by the Ontario Police Department. The vehicle was pursued for a short distance but the chase was ended due to safety concerns. During the pursuit, two males and a dog could be seen occupying the vehicle. Information led police to BLM land near Vale where a search was conducted by ground and air.
One suspect was located several hours later traveling by foot on the BLM land. The male was identified as Jerry E. Boatman, 35, of Ontario, and was arrested on charges of third-degree escape and a parole violation.
The search continued and a couple hours later and aircraft located the vehicle in a ravine. Tracks leading from the vehicle were followed for over a mile and the dog was spotted. As law enforcement approached the dog but it fled into a large badger hole and would not come out. After getting the dog out, they could hear a male screaming for help from within the hole. Police discovered Gregory A. Morrow, 22, of Ontario, was stuck approximately eight feet underground and could not move. He was feet first in the hole and was losing the feelings in his arm.
Police immediately began digging to remove him from the hole. After about an hour and a half, Morrow was rescued and taken into custody after being identified as the driver of the stolen vehicle. He was briefly taken to Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Ontario to be treated for minor injuries. Following his arrest he was arrested for a parole violation warrant. Further charges are pending.
Oregon State Police officials say Morrow most likely would have died from exposure as he would not have been able to free himself. The investigation is continuing and more information will be released as it becomes available. OSP was assisted by the Ontario Police Department, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office and Vale Fire and Rescue.
