Suspect arrested after chase

Police arrest Nehemiah Joseph Eckel after Eckel attempted to flee. From left, Officer Mike Harris, Detective Jason Hays arresting Eckel, and Sgt. Gary Bell.

A man was arrested Thursday afternoon after attempting to flee police on Cove Avenue in La Grande. 

 Nehemiah Joseph Eckel, 31, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, tresspass in the second degree, and disorderly conduct in the second degree. There may be other charges pending further investigation.

Officers were first alerted to Eckel after a victim of a theft informed that she had seen Eckel in possession of one of her stolen items near the Willow Grocery Store on Cove Avenue. An officer attempted to contact Eckel, who fled for several blocks, attempting to hide. Officers eventually captured Eckel in the 1400 block of Willow Street, near Willow Elementary School. 

The Union County Sherriff's Office assisted in the arrest.