LOWELL, Ore. – A Lane County Sheriff’s deputy patrolling near Lookout Point Dam encountered a dangerous situation on Thursday evening when a motorist stopped for suspected impaired driving fled the scene, according to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
LCSO officials said that the suspect, identified as 54-year-old Richard Leon Gaffney of Dexter, was initially stopped at about 5 p.m. on Dec. 18 for appearing impaired but then sped off toward Lowell. The deputy followed briefly but stopped the pursuit due to hazardous conditions, including heavy rain and darkness. The decision was made to prevent potential harm to bystanders in Lowell. Gaffney eventually crashed into a ditch before entering Lowell, where other vehicles were present. Sheriff’s officials said that Gaffney was arrested without further incident. Authorities discovered two loaded firearms concealed in Gaffney’s vehicle, according to the LCSO…