Astoria, OR – A 30-year-old Veneta man was arrested Monday afternoon after a brief pursuit by Lane County deputies in the McKenzie Bridge area. According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), the incident began around 4 p.m. when an LCSO deputy spotted a stolen vehicle in the McKenzie Bridge vicinity.
Two individuals related to the stolen vehicle were detained, but a third suspect, later identified as Travos James Bechtol, fled the scene on foot. Bechtol, who is from Veneta, was reported by a local resident to have attempted to break into a house near Taylor Road and McKenzie Highway shortly after running from deputies.
The LCSO quickly issued a request for the public to report any information on Bechtol’s whereabouts, prompting residents to stay vigilant. Within 45 minutes, authorities announced that Bechtol had been located and arrested at approximately 4:45 p.m.
Bechtol’s arrest concludes a short but intense search in the area, and he now faces charges related to the stolen vehicle and the alleged attempted break-in. Further details regarding his charges are expected to be released as the investigation continues.