By Shawn Henry 
A Portland man who stole a $29,000 Ford Mustang from a car dealership and fled from police earlier this year has been sentenced to two years in prison, officials announced.
Jayairus Joshua Johnson, 37, was convicted in Clackamas County Circuit Court on multiple charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, unlawful use of a vehicle, attempting to elude a police officer, reckless driving, and recklessly endangering another person. The jury took only about 15 minutes to reach its verdict, prosecutors said.
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The case stemmed from an incident on January 6, 2025, when Johnson visited Diplomat Motors and expressed interest in several high-end cars. According to court records, he told staff he was pre-approved for a $100,000 loan, but declined a required credit check. When the sales manager escorted him out, Johnson appeared to leave—until moments later, the sound of a revving engine and screeching tires signaled otherwise.
A dark blue 2020 Ford Mustang, valued at $29,200, had vanished from the lot. The dealership quickly activated the vehicle’s tracking system, leading police to its location. A West Linn officer soon spotted the stolen Mustang along Oregon Route 43 and attempted a traffic stop, but Johnson refused to pull over. He reportedly reached high speeds, crossed into oncoming traffic, and passed vehicles dangerously before the officer ended the pursuit for safety reasons.
Johnson later abandoned the car at a West Linn apartment complex and tried to flee on foot. Officers found him walking nearby, wearing the same clothing seen at the dealership and carrying the Mustang’s key fob in his pocket.
Judge Katherine Weber sentenced Johnson to 24 months in state prison. The vehicle was recovered with minimal damage, according to police.
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