Suspect armed with hatchet leads police on chase across several districts

Oregon State Police (KOIN) vehicle.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A domestic violence suspect armed with a hatchet was taken into custody after a cross-county chase ended in a field in Clackamas County, according to authorities.

According to Oregon State Police, troopers were investigating a domestic assault on Highway 217 near Silver Falls State Park when they spotted the suspect’s car.

The driver eluded troopers and fled north on Interstate 5 at more than 115 miles per hour, authorities said.

Officials said the chase continued until the car got stuck in a field south of Wilsonville.

The suspect, Matthew James Rodgers, 33, was armed with a hatchet and refused to get out of his car, authorities said, leading to unsuccessful negotiations.

Officials eventually said the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office placed a chemical irritant in the vehicle, forcing Rodgers out of the car and he was arrested.

Rodgers faces multiple charges, including burglary, attempting to elude police, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, criminal assault, fourth-degree domestic violence, harassment, coercion and unlawful use of a weapon.

The investigations are still ongoing.