POLICE RESCUE SUSPECT WHO GOT STUCK IN BADGER HOLE

A simple traffic stop at a Jack in the Box ended with a dramatic car chase and 90-minute rescue operation after a suspect became trapped inside a badger hole in Ontario, Oregon.

According to Oregon Live, 22-year-old Gregory Morrow and 35-year-old Jerry Boatman were pulled over by police at around 7:30 A.M. on Thursday. Instead of complying, both suspects allegedly took off in a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe.

The chase was described in the report as “short” and was cut off early because of safety reasons. Authorities said they knew there were two men and a dog in the vehicle.

Following a ground and aerial search, Boatman was spotted on foot in the area. Investigators were able to arrest Boatman, who they believe was the passenger in the stolen SUV.

During the search, authorities said they found the dog and chased the animal directly to a badger hole on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land management. The dog went into the badger hole, and when officers attempted to coax it out they heard screams from inside.

They then discovered that Morrow had wiggled his way about eight feet underground to hide from police and gotten stuck. The report said Morrow claimed that he was losing feeling in his arms.

Over the next few hours, officers dug Morrow out of the badger hole. Without their rescue efforts, it’s possible Morrow would have died from exposure, officials said.

Boatman is facing a charge of escape of violating his parole, while Morrow is facing a charge for a parole violation. Authorities told reporters more charges are likely to be filed.

Main photo: Oregon State Police