A Silverton man is facing DUII and multiple other charges after a police chase caught on camera ended with the suspect allegedly crashing into a local resident’s front yard.
Michael James Imel, 36, was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 7, after officers with the Silverton Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Imel allegedly fled in his vehicle and drove recklessly through the city. According to doorbell camera footage shared by SPD on Facebook, Imel’s car allegedly struck two police vehicles before driving into the front yard of a nearby residence.
Imel allegedly attempted to flee on foot, but was taken into custody. SPD said on Facebook that “thankfully nobody was seriously injured.”
Imel was charged in Marion County Circuit Court with DUII, second-degree assault, reckless driving, resisting arrest, second-degree criminal mischief, refusal to take a test for intoxicants, and two counts each of attempt to elude and assault of a public safety officer. If convicted, he faces at least 70 months in prison due to the Measure 11 status of the second-degree assault charge.
As of press time, he remained in the Marion County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail. He was due back in court for arraignment Dec. 22 before Judge Natasha Zimmerman.
Imel was previously convicted of DUII in 2019 after accepting a plea agreement in Jackson County Circuit Court. He completed a DUII diversion program in 2020, resulting in his conviction being dismissed.
– Stephen Floyd
