Portland man arrested after high-speed chase with stolen Homeland Security vehicle

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Portland man was arrested Wednesday after stealing a Department of Homeland Security vehicle, leading authorities on a high-speed chase to Castle Rock, Wash., according to Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office.

Around 9 a.m., deputies learned the vehicle was stolen from a Homeland Security Investigations special agent with a gun inside, and was heading northbound on Interstate 5.

Authorities said they tried to stop the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Travis Grygla, who drove over 100 mph "making erratic lane changes."

Deputies used spike strips at multiple locations, eventually deflating one of the vehicle’s tires. However, Grygla continued driving northbound and took exit 48 near Castle Rock, officials said.

A deputy used a Pursuit Intervention Technique to stop the vehicle, leading Grygla to roll the vehicle on its top.

Later, deputies learned that leading up to the incident, Grygla was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations agents as they searched his Portland home. Officials said he was sitting in a special agent's vehicle without handcuffs when he took control of the car and fled from law enforcement.

Grygla was returned to HSI custody and the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office said they would request a warrant for his arrest on multiple charges after Wednesday’s incident.