Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Devon Emra, 31, of Eugene, was arrested for a crime spree through a collaborated effort with concerned citizens and multiple law enforcement agencies. The crime spree started at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday when the Albany Police Department was called to a theft in progress at a business on Goldfish Farm Road SE in Albany. The suspect had fled the scene in a U-Haul rental truck prior to the officer’s arrival. The U-Haul was located a short time later in a parking lot at a business on Spicer Drive in Albany.
An Albany Police Department Officer attempted to contact the occupants of the U-Haul, which fled the parking lot. Concerned citizens called law enforcement agencies regarding the fleeing U-Haul and at least one citizen followed the U-Haul to where it stopped in the eastbound lane of travel on Santiam Highway, near Spicer Drive in Lebanon. As law enforcement officers were responding to this location, Devon Emra and Savannah Morris, 30, of Eugene, exited the U-Haul. Devon Emra approached several stopped vehicles and took a red 2022 Toyota Sienna van from a citizen who initially offered assistance.
Both Devon Emra and Savannah Morris fled in the van prior to law enforcement’s arrival. Concerned citizens called law enforcement and followed Devon Emra, maintaining visual contact with the vehicle until law enforcement could locate them. Law enforcement attempted to stop Devon Emra in the stolen vehicle, but he continued to flee. Devon Emra fled south on Interstate 5 and ended at the intersection of Coburg Road and Crescent Avenue in Eugene as a result of a motor vehicle crash.
As a result of Devon Emera’s attempt to flee from concerned citizens and law enforcement, multiple vehicle crashes occurred, and other private and public property was damaged.
Devon Emra was arrested and lodged in the Linn County Jail for Robbery in the First Degree, Attempt to Elude Police Officer, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.
Savannah Morris was arrested and lodged in the Linn County Jail for an outstanding arrest warrant.
Additional charges are likely as the investigation continues. Anyone who witnessed the events that occurred on Santiam Highway near Spicer Drive, or who has video footage of this incident is asked to call Detective Caleb Riley at (541) 967-3950
Law enforcement agencies involved in this incident include Albany Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.