Boiler Bay Beacon
NEWPORT — A 19-year-old Siletz woman faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after leading police on a high-speed chase from Newport into Toledo early Sunday morning, according to the Newport Police Department.
On August 9, 2026, at approximately 12:40 a.m., a Newport officer observed a 2000 Toyota Camry with no license plates traveling at a high rate of speed through Newport near NW 6th Street and N. Highway 101. The officer attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to yield and continued driving.
The Camry turned eastbound onto Highway 20 and ran a red light at high speed. Newport officers and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies pursued the vehicle toward Toledo. Speeds reached approximately 90 mph as the driver passed slower-moving traffic.
A Toledo Police Department officer deployed spike strips near the Highway 20 / Business Highway 20 West junction, disabling the front passenger tire. The vehicle continued into Toledo on the deflated tire before coming to a stop on SE Butler Bridge near SE East Slope.
Driver Shataha Beggs, 19, of Siletz, and two other occupants were detained. Officers observed signs that Beggs was impaired. A usable quantity of cocaine and a loaded handgun were located concealed underneath the driver’s seat.
Beggs was arrested and lodged in the Lincoln County Jail.
A Lincoln County grand jury indicted Beggs on Aug. 11. The indictment charges:
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, a Class C felony
- Driving under the influence of intoxicants, a Class A misdemeanor
- Two counts of recklessly endangering another person, Class A misdemeanors
- Reckless driving, a Class A misdemeanor
- Unlawful possession of a firearm, a Class A misdemeanor
- Unlawful possession of cocaine, an unclassified misdemeanor
All counts are alleged to have occurred Aug. 9, 2026. Judge Amanda R. Benjamin set bail at $250,000 at an Aug. 10 arraignment and appointed attorney Ivan Abrams the next day. Deputy District Attorney Jennifer L. Beebe is the prosecutor of record.
Beggs pleaded not guilty to every count on Aug. 17. The next hearing is an early resolution conference at 10 a.m. Sept. 8. The case remains open.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Mangum of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. Tips can also be submitted to the Newport Police Tip Line at 541-574-5455, by text to 541-270-1856, or by email to [email protected].
