Cody Trace Hamlin is in custody following a pursuit through La Grande and ending on the interstate.
At 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Hamlin was arrested on a felony warrant charging first-degree kidnapping, Second-degree assault, Second-degree robbery, and Third-degree assault. He was also charged with attempt to elude on foot, attempt to elude in a vehicle and reckless driving.
Hamlin, DOB 10-5-1990, of La Grande, was already under surveillance by the Union County Drug Taskforce for suspicion of possible drug activity. Hamlin’s vehicle was surveilled today when the Union County Detective attempted a traffic stop with a vehicle believed to belong to Hamlin. Moments later, Union County Sheriff Deputies saw Hamlin leaving the area In another vehicle and they quickly followed.
Hamlin refused to stop and began to drive through town at a high rate of speed around 12:30 p.m. Law enforcement quickly terminated the pursuit due to the danger to the public and lost sight of the suspect. Thanks to phone calls to our dispatch center complaining of Hamlin’s recklessness, law enforcement was able to relocate Hamlin in the Flying J area. It is believed Hamlin drove through the Foothill Road area, and ended up on the Interstate near milepost 270. He then left his vehicle and ran on foot.
A witness called and identified a male subject matching Hamlin’s description going into the wooded area.
Deputies quickly set up a containment with the help of Oregon State Police, surrounding the area. K9 Molly was deployed, along with Deputy Hamilton who arrived on scene with the Sheriff’s Office drone to search for the suspect.
The residents who lived in the area were notified of Hamlin’s possible proximity and warned to stay in their homes and be on the lookout.
Hamlin was finally seen running toward a residence when law enforcement took him into custody.
Hamlin has been involved in multiple pursuits in the past.
The Union County Drug Taskforce and Deputies were assisted by the La Grande Police Department and Oregon State Police.
