February 20, 2025
NEWS RELEASE
A Rigby man was found in possession of Cocaine and Marijuana after fleeing from Deputies early this morning. Just before 1am Deputies were advised by dispatch to be on the lookout for 36-year-old Corey Michael Ogea, who was reported earlier to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as possibly being suicidal and was believed to be traveling on 25th E. heading to the hospital. At approximately 1:15am a Deputy located Mr. Ogea’s vehicle near 25th E. and 17th St. and followed behind to see if he was going to the hospital.
After Mr. Ogea continued past both hospitals on Channing Way to Sunnyside Rd. the Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Mr. Ogea traveled on Sunnyside at a slow rate of speed, eventually stopping at 25th E. As the Deputy approached, Mr. Ogea drove away ignoring verbal commands by the Deputy to stop.
Due to slick road conditions and Mr. Ogea’s driving behavior the Deputy did not pursue at that time and advised area patrol units his direction of travel. A short while later, another Deputy observed Mr. Ogea traveling at a high rate of speed on 25th E. near Dearold Ave. running red lights and crossing over multiple lanes of traffic. That Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop but discontinued for safety reasons due to road conditions and Mr. Ogea’s escalated driving behavior.
Deputies received information from Jefferson County Deputies that Mr. Ogea had earlier been arguing with a girlfriend before leaving in the vehicle. It was reported Mr. Ogea seemed paranoid and made statements that he believed people were following him and that he may have overdosed. Deputies in the area of the hospitals observed Mr. Ogea driving in the area, but when he saw patrol cars would speed up and drive away.
At approximately 4:45am, Deputies observed Mr. Ogea driving recklessly through parking lots adjacent to 17th St. and 25th E. Because commuting traffic in the area had increased along with businesses and snow removal personnel beginning operations, Deputies and Idaho Falls Police Officers coordinated to stop Mr. Ogea by successfully deploying spike strips as he attempted to pull on to 17th St. from a parking lot. Mr. Ogea then pulled into the Al’s Sporting Good parking lot and finally stopped his vehicle. Deputies were able to take Mr. Ogea into custody without incident at that time.
An Idaho Falls Police K-9 was utilized to check Mr. Ogea’s vehicle for the presence of illegal drugs and during a subsequent search Deputies seized a small amount of Marijuana and Cocaine. Mr. Ogea was placed under arrest and transported to the Bonneville County Jail where he was booked for Felony Possession of Cocaine, and Misdemeanor charges for Possession of Marijuana, two counts of Eluding a Peace Officer, and Reckless Driving. As part of the booking process, Mr. Ogea will undergo a screening and evaluation to determine appropriate medical and mental health needs while in custody.
