MARION COUNTY — A near collision with a sheriff’s deputy’s squad car and an ensuing chase has landed a 20-year-old Salem man in the Marion County Jail on multiple traffic and criminal charges.

Jacob Linkon was reportedly traveling on Warmouth Street when a sheriff’s deputy responding to assist a Salem police officer notice Linkon traveling toward him in the wrong lane and stopped his squad car.

Linkon reportedly swerved at the last moment and avoided striking the squad car, stopping briefly to apologize to the deputy before leaving the scene at a high rate of speed.

The deputy persued Linkon north on Broadway, and then followed as Linkon sped onto Oglesby, turned into an alley and driveway before reportedly slumping down into the seat.

After the deputy approached, Linkon again reportedly apologized. saying he fled because he doesn’t have a valid driver’s license and thought he’d struck the deputy’s squad car when lighting a cigarette.

Linkon was released from the Marion County Jail after posting $150 bond. He has been given seven traffic citations including fleeing and eluding police, driving while license suspended or revoked, speeding 15-20 mph over the limit, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, disregarding a stop sign, improper lane usage, and improper turn signal. He’s next due in court on Aug. 10, for a first appearance.