A manhunt for vehicle thieves in Oregon turned into a rescue operation yesterday when one of the thieves became trapped deep underground in an animal hole.

On November 3, 2016 at about 730AM, an OSP Trooper was on patrol and located an occupied stolen vehicle, a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe, in Ontario and attempted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Jack in the Box (4th Street).

The driver drove away, jumping a curb, and then pursued by the Ontario Police Department. The vehicle was pursued for a short distance but terminated due to safety concerns. During the pursuit two males and a dog could be seen occupying the vehicle. Information led police to BLM land near Vale where a search was conducted by ground and air.

One suspect was located several hours later traveling by foot on the BLM land. The male was identified as Jerry E BOATMAN, age 35, of Ontario, and was arrested for Escape III and a parole violation.

The search continued and a couple hours later and aircraft located the vehicle in a ravine. Tracks leading from the vehicle were followed for over a mile and the dog was spotted. As law enforcement approached the dog, it fled into a large badger hole and would not come out. After getting the dog out, they could hear a male screaming for help from within the hole. Police discovered, Gregory A MORROW, age 22, of Ontario, was stuck approximately 8 feet underground and could not move. He was feet first in the hole and was losing the feelings in his arm.

Police immediately began digging to remove him from the hole. After about an hour and a half, MORROW was rescued and taken into custody after being identified as the driver of the stolen vehicle. He was briefly taken to Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Ontario to be treated for minor injuries. Following his arrest he was arrested for a parole violation warrant. Further charges are pending on MORROW.

Most likely MORROW would have died from exposure as he would not have been able to free himself.

Did you catch that?

As law enforcement approached the dog, it fled into a large badger hole and would not come out. After getting the dog out, they could hear a male screaming for help from within the hole.

This was straight up Timmy’s in the well stuff by the Morrow’s dog. Let’s hope that while Morrow is cooling his heels in jail, that “Lassie” gets a much better owner deserving of such a loyal dog.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKV26VXmSxc