Cops hunt for murder suspect who eluded officers on motorcycle
Josephine County, Ore. - Police are searching for an Oregon man wanted in connection with a murder who they say eluded officers on a motorcycle last week near the state's border with California.
Officials have issued a felony warrant for Daniel Joseph Martinson, 44, who is wanted in connection with the November, 2013 murder of 39-year-old Aaron Lee Clouser of Cave Junction in southern Oregon, according to a statement released by the Oregon State Police.
Clouser was discovered lying in the road in Cave Junction the night of Nov. 5, 2013, according to police. Police haven't said how Clouser was killed, but they say his death was ruled a homicide.
Police also haven't released details on any possible relationship between Clouser and Martinson.
Martinson has not yet been arrested in connection with Clouser's murder, Lieutenant Gregg Hastings of the Oregon State Police told CBS News' Crimesider.
Martinson was believed to have last been seen last Wednesday, police said, near the Page Mountain Sno-Park in the southeast corner of Josephine County, Oregon, near the state's border with California. They say Martinson was spotted several times Tuesday night and Wednesday morning as he eluded officers on a motorcycle on paved and dirt roads.
Police describe the area as remote and heavily wooded with a few homes.
"He eluded capture in the area by driving off road," Hastings told Crimesider. "It's heavily wooded - it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack at times."
Police are describing the motorcycle as black with a red tank.
Martinson should be considered armed and dangerous, according to police. They describe him as a white male, five feet, six inches tall and 155 pounds. He may have shaved his head and might not have facial hair as shown the photo provided, they say. He is missing a front tooth and has a tattoo on his back of a pit bull with the word "Outlaw" underneath.
Oregon State Police troopers along with the California Highway Patrol, Del Norte County Sheriff's Department, California Sheriff's Office, and US Marshals Service joined the search for Martinson last week.
Oregon State Police are maintaining a patrol presence in the area and asking anyone who might see Martinson or who might have information about his whereabouts to call (541) 664-4600.
