Attempt to Elude Suspect Arrested After K9 Track

Beaverton Police Dept. - 01/18/19

On January 18, 2019 at 2:38 p.m. an alert community member called 911 to report a suspected DUII driver.  The community member reported the driver was driving erratically, endangering the other motoring traffic.  Beaverton Police officers located the suspected DUII driver near SW Murray/SW 6th in Beaverton.  A short pursuit occurred after the driver refused to pull over.  The driver ran from his car, leaving it in neutral.  The suspect’s car, a 1996 white Chevrolet Caviler, rolled backwards and struck the patrol vehicle causing minor damage. 

BPD K9 handler Officer Bastinelli, his K9 partner Rizzo and numerous other officers immediately started searching for the suspect.  On scene investigations revealed the suspect was 23-year-old Emitt Bannister, who resides in unincorporated Washington County.  Mr. Bannister had a misdemeanor warrant out of Umatilla County for a parole violation regarding an Assault on a Public Safety Officer. 

After nearly an hour and forty minute K9 track in pouring down rain, more alert community members called to report the suspect was hiding behind a residence near SW Redbud Way/SW 6th.  The K9 unit and officers located Mr. Bannister trying to hide under a deck in the backyard of the SW Redbud Way residence.   

Mr. Bannister was taken into custody and will be transported to Washington County Jail.  Mr. Bannister will be charged with Attempt to Elude Felony, Attempt to Elude Misdemeanor, Hit and Run and the outstanding warrant.  Mr. Bannister stated he was driving erratically because he was late getting to work.    

Beaverton Police Department would like to thank all of the alert community members who helped us apprehend Mr. Bannister.