Two weekend traffic stops near Miller Avenue lead to multiple arrests

Two separate law enforcement actions on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 near Miller Avenue led to multiple arrests and the removal of weapons and illegal drugs from city streets. Oregon State Police Troopers made the stops within a block of central Baker City after observing behavior and items that prompted searches.

On Nov. 29 a trooper stopped a vehicle near Highway 7 and Mitchell Avenue. The driver was identified as 52 year old Thomas Shane Vantassel of Baker City, who is a convicted felon. Officers observed dagger style knives in the vehicle and the passenger admitted to possessing a concealed shotgun. A subsequent search located multiple illegal items, and Vantassel was arrested for Possession of Weapon by Felon and Possession of Methamphetamine. The passenger, 48 year old Jason Thomas Zerbel, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

The following day an Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife trooper stopped another vehicle on Miller Avenue at Fourth Street after observing evidence of a firearm inside the vehicle. The driver, identified as 42 year old Chet Lee Schisler of Springfield, consented to a search that produced methamphetamine. A passenger, later identified as 44 year old Rachel Marie Shary of Huntington, was located hiding in a nearby backyard and taken into custody. Shary also had an outstanding Idaho warrant for Failure to Appear. Both Schisler and Shary were cited for possession of methamphetamine in an amount between 2 to 10 grams. The OSP reports the investigation is ongoing.

For Baker County residents the incidents underscore law enforcement focus on weapons and drug related activity on and near Miller Avenue during a busy holiday period. The arrests removed at least one concealed shotgun and multiple knives from circulation while producing controlled substance charges. As the OSP continues its investigation, local police and state troopers have emphasized coordinated patrols in response to similar calls and observations. The arrests and citations illustrate the tangible impact of concentrated traffic enforcement on neighborhood safety and the legal consequences faced by those found with illegal weapons or controlled substances.