Police nab fugitive after chase

Sheriff's deputies, tipped off about a stolen car leaving a gas station in Sisters, intercepted Robert Nelson Howell, 40, on Highway 20 and chased him into Bend. Howell crashed his vehicle and was apprehended at the scene.

According to sheriff's department reports, Howell was wanted out of Massachusetts for arson and attempted murder.

Deputies attempted to stop Howell at the Tumalo grade on Highway 20, but he allegedly failed to yield and continued to head south into Bend, where Bend police joined in the pursuit. The chase reached speeds of 50-60 miles per hour on Highway 97 in Bend, and Howell allegedly almost struck several vehicles along the way.

According to police reports, Howell turned onto Scott Street and crashed at the intersection of Second and Wilson streets, striking an eastbound vehicle and sliding into a parked truck and trailer.

Police reported that Howell was intoxicated and refused to cooperate with investigators. He was checked at St. Charles Medical Center and eventually booked at Deschutes County Jail on charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, attempting to elude, hit and run and reckless endangering.