On June 1st, 2024, at approximately 2:56 p.m., a patrol officer from the Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) attempted to make a traffic stop near Delta St / Pleasant Ave in Klamath Falls after developing probable cause for a felony traffic crime and other traffic violations. The driver failed to yield and as a result, the officer initiated a vehicle pursuit through the neighborhood and eventually onto Lakeshore Drive and heading out of town onto Highway 140 West. The driver had made an abrupt U-turn near the Running Y Resort and continued fleeing from the police back toward town on Lakeshore Drive.
Two attempts were made to spike strip the suspect vehicle and after the second attempt, two of the four tires were deflated, and the driver continued to drive. At one point, the driver was able to get onto Highway 97 North when OSP took the initiative to stop the pursuit by using a “redirection” technique that caused the vehicle to crash and as a result, the OSP cruiser also crashed in the process. The suspect driver attempted to flee the scene on foot, and KFPD officers were able to stop and take the suspect into custody without further incident. Fortunately, no one was injured during this chaotic event.
During the investigation, officers identified the driver as thirty-three (33) year old Jesse R. Jones from Klamath Falls, and he was taken to Sky Lakes Medical Center to be medically assessed. After being medically cleared, Mr. Jones was transported to the Klamath County Jail and lodged for the following crimes: Attempt to Elude a Police Officer – In a Vehicle, Driving While Suspended – Felony, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Attempt to Elude a Police Officer – On Foot, and for two outstanding (Felony and Misdemeanor) warrants for his arrest.
The KFPD would like to thank OSP and Klamath 9-1-1 Communications District for their assistance in coordinating and apprehending Mr. Jones so he can be held accountable for his recent and previous actions. If there are other people with additional information regarding this incident that has not been contacted by law enforcement, you are encouraged to call the Klamath Falls Police Department at (541) 883-5336 or our anonymous Tip Line at (541) 883-5334.