Public Safety & Health

Suspect captured after school lockdowns

SPRINGFIELD — A wanted suspect drew a heavy police presence around 13th and F streets on Feb. 22, leading to the arrest of a fugitive out of Port Orchard, Wash. and the recovery of a commercial amount of methamphetamine and stolen guns.

Homeland Security Investigations out of Seattle contacted Oregon State Police and advised Gary Michael Moyer, 36, was the subject of a joint investigation in Gig Harbor, Wash.

Moyer was in pursuit in both Port Orchard and Gig Harbor, evading capture, eventually landing in Springfield.  Known to be armed and presented a danger to the public based on reports from Washington agencies, he was traveling with his girlfriend, Stephanie Marie Roller, 31. 

Nearby residents were notified to shelter in place, while Gateways High School Brattain Campus, Springfield High, and Dos Rios Elementary initiated a lockout.

To complicate matters, around 3 a.m. that morning, Vancouver 911 received a phone call from a woman identifying herself as Jessica Pruitt, who reported she was being kidnapped. The call originated from Moyer’s phone. 

The kidnapping case was still underway in Vancouver, and although unsubstantiated, there was an actual female who had the name Jessica Pruitt in Vancouver, who could not be located. 

Moyer and Roller checked out of the hotel about 30 minutes prior to detectives arriving on scene and a full SWAT activation was initiated. An EPD Street Crimes Unit officer observed a vehicle matching the description of Moyer’s traveling eastbound on I-105, identity confirmed by the distinctive clothing he was wearing. 

A traffic stop was initiated, and Moyer sped away. The pursuit lasted six minutes before being terminated due to the growing risk to the public.   

There was a heavy police presence in the area of Pioneer Parkway and Mohawk Boulevard between Q and Main streets. The suspect vehicle was located in front of a house with its front door open near 16th Street and G Street.  

Around 12:42 p.m., K9 Team Officer Jake Thomas and Ayk and a contingency of SWAT officers announced they were with the suspects in the backyard of 1321 G St. and had them in custody. The suspects had entered an unoccupied home and hid inside.

Charges include:

Moyer: Fugitive from Justice; Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon (stolen); Elude by Vehicle; Elude by Foot; Reckless Endangering (Community); Reckless Driving; and Burglary in the First Degree. 

Roller: Violation Release Agreement (Deschutes County) Warrant and Burglary in the First Degree.

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