Joshua Sckeetz of Vancouver Faces Multiple Charges After High-Speed Police Chase

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Joshua Sckeetz, a resident of Vancouver, Washington, has been arrested and is facing numerous charges after leading police on a high-speed chase from Astoria to Banks. During the pursuit, Sckeetz, driving a silver 2004 BMW, reached speeds of 120 mph and continued to drive on flat tires. The chase finally came to an end when Sckeetz allegedly consumed fentanyl, washing it down with Mountain Dew.

The incident began when Astoria Police attempted to pull over Sckeetz for a traffic violation. However, he decided to flee towards Warrenton at a staggering speed of 120 miles per hour, heading east on Highway 26. Washington County deputies were alerted to the situation and joined the pursuit near the intersection of Highway 26 and Highway 47.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement to slow down the BMW by deploying spike strips, Sckeetz continued driving on flat tires, eventually arriving in Banks. It was at this point that authorities managed to pin down the vehicle. However, before being apprehended, Sckeetz reportedly ingested a powdered substance believed to be fentanyl, and washed it down with Mountain Dew, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Following the incident, Sckeetz was transported to a local hospital by ambulance before being lodged at Washington County Jail. He now faces several charges, including unlawful possession of a controlled substance, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, and reckless driving. In addition to these charges, Sckeetz had two outstanding warrants from Clark County and a Beaverton municipal court warrant.

Two other individuals were present in the vehicle during the pursuit. One of them, 30-year-old Savannah Lalonde, was booked into jail due to an active warrant from Skamania County. The identity of the other passenger has not been disclosed, and they were released at the scene.