Struggle After Traffic Stop Injures Trooper, attempted to steal Trooper's car

Backup news staff writer Debby Mongeau

1/29/01 ONTARIO, Ore. - An Oregon state trooper suffered minor 
injuries after being assaulted by a motorist whom he had pulled 
over for a traffic violation.

The incident occurred when Trooper Scott Skinner noticed 
the driver of a pickup truck was not wearing a seat belt 
and tried to pull the driver over on Interstate 84.

The driver of the truck, Dan Eric Castle, 31, increased his 
speed and tossed papers from his truck as he crossed into Idaho.

Castle pulled over a few miles into Idaho, got out of his vehicle 
and charged the trooper on foot. Skinner used pepper spray on 
Castle, who then attempted to drive away in the trooper's patrol 
car. 

A struggle ensued within the trooper's vehicle, during which 
Skinner was able to turn off his car's ignition. Officers from 
the Idaho State Patrol arrived at the location as well as four 
truck drivers, who assisted Skinner in subduing Castle.

Skinner was able to drive himself  to a hospital in Ontario, 
where he was treated for his injuries and released.

Castle was in custody at the Payette County Jail on charges of attempting  to elude an officer, attempted grand theft and assaulting a public safety officer.

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