Escape Portal
Lassen County Sheriff Ben J. Yeakey inspects the glass block window area where two men managed to slip through and escape from the Lassen County Jail. Two of the blocks were removed, and the men exited through the 8- by 16-inch hole. Bee Photo
Susanville Jail Breakers Are Caught
October 31, 1970
HILLSBORO, OREGON – Two men who escaped from the Lassen County jail in Susanville have been recaptured here following a running gun battle with sheriff’s deputies and a wild auto chase which at times reached speeds of up to 125 miles per hour.
Following the chase Washington County Sheriff Art Girtler, 32, of Germantown, and Marvin Pinnell, 27, of Oregon and booked them in Washington County jail here.
Washington County Grand Jury indicted the two men for burglary, two charges of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of stolen property, possession of a concealed weapon and possession of a stolen vehicle.
The two men, in custody on burglary charges, escaped from the Lassen County jail Sunday evening, making their way to Oregon in a Ford auto which had been reported stolen in Susanville.
According to Lassen County Sheriff Ben J. Yeakey, the two men escaped from the new $60,000 county jail after jamming a lock on cell block and security hallway doors. They removed a metal frame for the tempered glass block windows and punched two of the glass blocks out of the escape, leaving a three-foot opening which measured about 8 by 16 inches.
Yeakey reported a tool which was obtained or devised by the two men. Yeakey reported in order for them to jimmy the door locks.
Washington County Sheriff’s deputies have been notified that the two men could be speeded free, the Corvallis area where Pinnell might attempt to make a get-away. The escape of the pair outside a nursing home where Pinnell’s girl friend reportedly worked.
The two men sped off, shots being exchanged before the car was rammed by a sheriff’s vehicle.
A high speed chase ensued, and the escape vehicle entered a Cornelius business district, where Girtler either was shot or jumped from the car on a turn. Apparently unmet, he was later captured without a struggle.
Pinnell ditched the car near two blocks and then he too “bailed out,” officers relating, running afoot into a nearby fruit orchard. Minute later he walked out of the orchard and into the arms of waiting deputies.
Girtler, wanted on a violation of parole charges, served time in Wisconsin for armed robbery, unlawful flight and grand theft. He is awaiting a plea to him in Lassen County on a charge involving the burglary of two rifles.
Pinnell, in custody on burglary charges, reportedly has served prison sentences in Oregon for burglary and grand larceny. He too is wanted in Oregon on charges of violation of parole.
