Portland/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on April 25, 2024
Portland Man Accused of Stealing DHS Vehicle, Leading Authorities on 100 mph I-5 ChaseSource: Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office

A Portland man was taken into custody Wednesday after leading law enforcement on a car chase involving a stolen Department of Homeland Security vehicle, per the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Travis Grygla, allegedly swiped the vehicle during an arrest earlier that day and then barreled down Interstate 5 reaching speeds over 100 mph.

The high-speed chase began around 9 a.m. when authorities were alerted to the theft of the vehicle, which contained a firearm insider. According to KOIN, Grygla made "erratic lane changes" as he raced northbound on the interstate. The pursuit continued even after Grygla lost a tire and took exit 48 near Castle Rock, Washington.

Eventually, deputies utilized a pursuit intervention technique to halt the stolen vehicle. According to a press release from the sheriff's office cited by The Daily News, the chase came to a dramatic end near exit 49 with Grygla's vehicle upended and resting on its top.

Grygla was reportedly in the back of a Homeland Security agent's vehicle, uncuffed, when he commandeered the car earlier Wednesday morning, according to KPTV. After his arrest in Cowlitz County, he was returned to Homeland Security Investigation's custody, and the local sheriff's office will be requesting a warrant for multiple charges related to the incident.

While Grygla is back in Homeland Security's hands, the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office will also be seeking charges for suspected offenses during the chase. Those details have not yet been released, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the vehicle theft and subsequent pursuit.