Federal marshals capture wanted felon

HILLSBORO, Ore. -- A wanted and dangerous felon with 45 previous arrests was captured Monday by Federal marshals. Josh "Clay" David Nicholas, 36, was arrested late Monday in a Yamhill County home.

Earlier Monday, deputies attempted to box Nicholas into a large perimeter they'd established in an unincorporated area of Washington County, outside Hillsboro, according to Sgt. Dave Thompson.

Nicholas led Hillsboro police and sheriff's deputies on a chase through Cornelius and Hillsboro, driving a stolen SUV, earlier on Monday. The stolen SUV was found later Monday afternoon.

Authorities had warned citizens that Nicholas was considered armed and dangerous and could be carrying several guns.Thompson said police believed Nicholas would rather get into a shootout than go to jail.

Nicholas has two outstanding warrants in the Portland area for drugs and auto theft, Thompson said, adding he'd been arrested more than 45 times in his life.