Driver Arrested After 125 mph Chase on I-84
Oregon State Police arrested a 33-year-old Washington man on Interstate 84 in Baker County after an alleged high-speed pursuit.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Crime — General
Oregon State Police arrested William Ryan Melo, 33, of Lakebay, Washington, on eastbound Interstate 84 near milepost 346 on Saturday, Oct. 31, after he allegedly reached speeds of 125 mph while attempting to elude officers. The Baker County District Attorney's office has charged Melo with one felony and one misdemeanor count.
Why it matters
The case highlights the danger high-speed pursuits pose to motorists and troopers on rural interstate stretches. Oregon residents traveling I-84 are reminded that reckless driving at extreme speeds can result in both felony and misdemeanor charges.
Melo faces one Class C felony count of attempting to elude a police officer and one Class A misdemeanor count of reckless driving, and he was taken to the Baker County Jail. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:15 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, in Baker County Circuit Court.
The players
Oregon State Police
Oregon's statewide law enforcement agency, which conducted the pursuit and arrest on Interstate 84.
Baker County District Attorney's Office
The local prosecutor's office responsible for filing the felony and misdemeanor charges against Melo.
The details
A 2022 Volkswagen GTI was seen driving recklessly on the freeway, and a trooper attempted to stop the vehicle near milepost 327 before troopers boxed it in near milepost 346. The 125 mph speed was based on radar, and the vehicle was taken into custody after the box-in.
Timeline
Saturday, Oct. 31: Alleged 125 mph reckless driving on Interstate 84 in Baker County.
About 8:52 a.m., Oct. 31: Melo arrested on eastbound I-84 near milepost 346.
Monday, Nov. 2, 1:15 p.m.: Scheduled arraignment in Baker County Circuit Court.
Legal Context
Oregon classifies attempting to elude a police officer as a Class C felony, the same tier applied to Melo's alleged flight on I-84. The reckless driving count, a Class A misdemeanor, is charged alongside it under the state's existing traffic and eluding statutes.
Drivers on I-84 through Baker County should expect a continued police presence along the corridor, as troopers pursue reckless motorists at high speed. Motorists who see a vehicle driving recklessly are encouraged to report it to Oregon State Police rather than attempt to intervene themselves.
The takeaway
Reckless speeding on rural interstates can turn a routine traffic stop into a felony case within minutes. Keeping speeds within posted limits is the simplest way to avoid both criminal charges and danger to others on the road.
What happens next
Melo is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:15 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, in Baker County Circuit Court.
Further reading
For more on similar roadway incidents, browse Crime — General coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Baker City Herald.
