Klamath Falls, Ore. – (Press Release) Shortly after 1pm on Christmas Eve, Klamath County deputies responded to a reported burglary on Snow Goose Lane where a rifle had been reported stolen. A suspect, 41 year old Cynthia Pettit, was identified and it was soon confirmed she had arrived at a residence on Outpost Drive and was in possession
of a rifle.
As law enforcement arrived at the Outpost Drive location, the suspect raised and pointed the rifle in their direction and then fled in a vehicle after driving recklessly at the deputies and an OSP Trooper. A vehicle pursuit ensued. On several occasions the pursuing deputies lost sight of the vehicle until it was located near Fort Klamath by a Forest Service LEO. The
pursuit continued at speeds from 80-90 mph with light traffic conditions on Westside Road. A first attempt to spike the tires on the fleeing vehicle was unsuccessful but a second attempt near the county line on Hwy 140 succeeded. Speeds reduced to 35 mph until the vehicle came to a stop at mile post 21 in Jackson County. Highway 140 was shut down in both directions for just over an hour as law enforcement attempted to get the driver to exit the vehicle. After telephonic communication was
established, she surrendered to the arresting deputies. The stolen rifle was located in the vehicle.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, a US Forest Service LEO, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The multi-agency/multi-county incident was made possible by the working relationships our law enforcement community works hard to maintain.
No injuries were sustained by the suspect or any of the responding officers. Despite initial social media reports that a deputy’s vehicle had been rammed, no damage was sustained by any patrol vehicles.