Wrong-way I-205 driver eluded officers, hid in Columbia River after ditching car, officials say

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A 27-year-old man was arrested Thursday after driving the wrong way on I-205 before eluding officers and hiding in the Columbia River, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said.

Tanner Miles was charged with felony eluding, reckless driving and failure to perform duties of a driver. Officials say more charges could be added.

According to MCSO, a Port of Portland officer saw a driver of a silver sedan run a red light near the Cascade Station Transit Center. Authorities say the driver, later identified as Miles, did not stop when the officer tried to pull him over.

“The Transit Police Unit determined that Miles drove south with the flow of traffic from NE Airport Way to I-205. When he reached I-205, Miles drove north against the flow of traffic on the western shoulder of the freeway and then turned around on the southbound offramp. Deputies reported traffic to be moving slowly, and there were no reported crashes as a result of Miles’ reckless maneuver,” said MCSO communications officer Chris Liedle.

Miles later turned around with the flow of traffic on the southbound offramp to NE Airport Way before ditching the car and running away, according to authorities.

“During the search with a Portland Police K-9, Transit Police learned Miles hid in the woods near the freeway. He then ran across NE Marine Drive and jumped into the Columbia River, where he continued to hide for some time,” Liedle said. “Port of Portland officers found him as they continued to patrol the area.

Miles was eventually arrested in an airport parking lot next to NE Airport Way.