Bend, OR – A wrong-way driver in Springfield led to a standoff early Tuesday morning, culminating in the arrest of a Eugene man. The incident began around 4:43 a.m. when the Springfield Police Department (SPD) received reports of a van traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Main Street, moving against the flow of traffic.

According to SPD, the vehicle came dangerously close to striking several cars as it continued driving the wrong way. The driver then turned onto South A Street, still traveling against traffic, before crashing into another vehicle near the intersection of S. A Street and 7th Street. The van eventually came to a stop, but the situation escalated further when officers attempted to make contact with the driver.

The suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Jacob Aaron King of Eugene, did not comply with police orders, SPD reported. Instead, King barricaded himself in the rear of the van, prompting a standoff that lasted for several hours.

Law enforcement personnel, including negotiators, were on the scene to manage the situation. After a tense standoff, officers were able to safely take King into custody without any injuries reported. He was transported to the Lane County Jail, where he faces several charges, including reckless driving and hit-and-run.

No other injuries were reported, although the investigation remains ongoing. SPD has not yet disclosed the full list of charges King will face, nor the conditions of the crash involving the other vehicle.

The incident has raised concerns about public safety, as wrong-way driving continues to be a significant hazard on local roads. Police are reminding drivers to stay vigilant and report any suspicious or dangerous driving behaviors to authorities immediately.