Deputies Save Pregnant Woman From Drowning, Driver Of Stolen Truck Arrested

HILLSBORO, Ore. — Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies rescued a woman who’s six-months pregnant after the stolen vehicle she was in crashed into the Tualatin River early Wednesday morning and her boyfriend took off.

32-year-old Jonathan Laura sped away from deputies into a field along the river.  He drove for about 300 yards before going off a steep embankment into the river.  Laura climbed out, swam to the riverbank and ran into the woods along with a dog that was in the vehicle.

The woman said she could not swim.  As she began to float downstream, a deputy jumped in after her and another threw them a rope.  The woman was safely brought to shore.  She and the baby were evaluated at the hospital with no significant injuries.

Using a remote operated vehicle, the dog was found safe later in the morning.  The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol recovered the stolen vehicle from the river

Laura was arrested on Thursday.  He’s facing several charges of unlawful use and possession of a motor vehicle, two counts of attempt to elude, reckless driving, reckless endangering, driving while revoked and criminal mischief.