PLEASANT HILL, Ore. — Ron Spooner says a very private struggle his family has been dealing with for years became very public Tuesday morning when his son got in an altercation, drove erratically down the highway ramming cars, and led troopers on a pursuit.
Spooner says his son Ryan was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was a senior in high school and has been in and out of treatment during the past few years.
He says treating mental illnesses is very difficult because he has good days and bad days.
While Spooner says he can’t condone Ryan’s behavior Tuesday, he wants the community to know those actions don’t show who Ryan really is.
“I am reaching out to the people that this is affecting. I’m sorry that this has happened to you and I in no means justify what Ryan did, but he needs help,” said Spooner.
Ryan was a state wrestling champion at Pleasant Hill High School and is currently taking college classes and working.
Spooner says he doesn’t think jail time will help his son get better. But he hopes he might be able to serve time at the new mental hospital in Junction City or a similar facility so he can get the treatment he needs.
