A report of a grass and car fire in the area of the North 19th Street curve near West Hills Road north of Philomath turned into a law-enforcement operation that led to the pursuit and arrest of two people just after midnight Thursday, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Madeline M. Camp, 22, of Newberg, was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment, driving under the influence of intoxicants, failing to perform the duties of a driver and reckless driving. Wyatt Lile, 26, of Corvallis, was arrested on a charge of second-degree criminal trespass.
Benton County Sheriff’s Office duties responded at 12:13 a.m. Sept. 21 to a report of a grass and car fire near North 19th and West Hills Road. Upon arrival of responders, the driver and passenger fled the scene on foot.
Meanwhile, Philomath Fire and Rescue extinguished the grass and car fire with a response that included an engine company, water tender and incident commander. The car, a 2006 Buick LeSabre, was fully engulfed in flames before firefighters put it out, officials said.
Law enforcement found the two individuals hiding in a nearby field. A Corvallis Police K-9 officer led the search and the suspects surrendered without incident, BCSO said. Philomath Police also assisted at the scene.
Camp was taken to Benton County Jail, booked and released. Lile was cited in lieu of custody.