OSP Jailed Coos Bay Man for Causing Crash on I-5 in Sunny Valley and Fleeing
The Oregon State Police arrested a Coos Bay man for multiple crimes after he caused a weekend collision on Interstate 5 in Sunny Valley and fled the scene.
OSP reports troopers responded to a hit-and-run crash and driving complaint on a GMC Sierra driven by 62-year-old Melvin Edward Lesher on I-5 near Sunny Valley Loop on Sunday at 10:44 a.m.. The complainant was identified as a 38-year-old Grants Pass man. He was not hurt.
Troopers said they located the suspect vehicle and Lesher was driving recklessly for more than 15 miles. He attempted to elude troopers and they pursued until he wrecked. He bailed out of the pickup and tried to run away, but was Tased and placed into custody.
According to OSP, Lesher displayed signs of impairment and he was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center where a blood warrant was granted and executed. A search of the pickup resulted in the seizure of about three grams of fentanyl.
Lesher was subsequently lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony and Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude Police, Driving Under the Influence of Controlled Substances, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest, Fentanyl Possession and the resulting Probation Violation. He was being held on a no-bail detainer and his pickup was impounded.
Posted on 6/2/25 10:40AM by Sam Marsh
