Elude and Pursuit Ends with K-9 Assisted Arrest

On Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at about 12:30 a.m., a vehicle eluded Klamath County Sheriff’s deputies while attempting to make a traffic stop in the area of Altamont Drive and Hilyard Avenue. The vehicle, a black Dodge SUV, drove recklessly at high speeds through the neighborhood and eventually onto Highway 140 East.

The suspect vehicle swerved into oncoming traffic and at deputies several times during the pursuit. Realizing danger to the public, deputies followed the vehicle at a safe distance for over 50 miles and eventually onto unpaved roads. The suspect vehicle became stuck in deep snow and the suspect bailed out.

Sheriff’s Office K-9 Chief was deployed to assist in the apprehension of the suspect.

“The pursuit ended rather quickly in a canyon with a foot and a half of snow. Chief caught the suspect and held him by the foot for several minutes until I could arrive, and continued to hold him until more back-up arrived. The suspect kicked Chief multiple times but Chief just held him,” said K-9 handler Deputy Hoy. “If we had to track this suspect through hazardous terrain in the middle of the night without Chief, someone would have gotten hurt.”

Neither the suspect nor Sheriff’s deputies (including Chief) received any serious injuries during the pursuit. Further, no property damage occurred. The safe conduct of this pursuit can mostly be attributed to Sheriff’s Office K-9 Chief.

“We’re all super proud of him. He demonstrated outstanding bravery, and did exactly what he’s trained to do,” said Deputy Hoy.

The Sheriff’s Office would again like to extend its sincerest thanks to the Klamath community for its financial support in securing and training Chief.

Arrestee:

• Vincent, James C., date of birth 01/24/1986

Charges:

• Two Counts of Attempted Assault I

• Attempting to Elude

• Recklessly Endangering Another Person

• Reckless Driving

Press release provided from Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.