Fugitive caught after all-day search

YAMHILL COUNTY- The hunt for a wanted fugitive came to an end Monday night in rural Yamhill County with the arrest of a suspect who eluded police all day, police said.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Josh Nicholas, 36, was located at a residence in an unincorporated area of Yamhill County around 7:45 p.m. with the help of a Washington County K-9 unit and investigators from the U.S. Marshals Oregon Fugitive Task Force.

Police said Nicholas was wanted on two outstanding parole violation warrants for more than a year and is currently being held at the Washington County Jail.

Police declined to give specifics late Monday on how they were able to locate Nicholas.

Earlier in the day, deputies attempted to stop a stolen SUV they said Nicholas was driving but the driver sped away and ditched the vehicle in a field near Northwest Zion Church and NW Susbauer Road -- south of Hwy. 26.

A three-hour search then took place, but police said Nicholas escaped through a field and onto another road before police could surround the area.

Nicholas has a lengthy criminal history, having been arrested more than 45 times in three different states. Past convictions include possession of methamphetamine, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, resisting arrest, fourth-degree assault, eluding police in a vehicle and third-degree escape.