Kidnapped Child Safely Recovered After Central Oregon Pursuit
Multi-agency chase ends in Redmond with suspect in custody and child reunited with parent
DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. - A 9-year-old juvenile reported kidnapped out of Multnomah County was safely recovered Monday night following a high-speed pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies across Central Oregon.
According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began at approximately 8:00 p.m. near La Pine when Oregon State Police attempted to stop a vehicle connected to a custodial interference and kidnapping case involving the child. The driver, identified as Charity Carter, 46, of La Pine, refused to stop and began driving erratically, initiating a pursuit south of Bend.
(Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office)
Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit as Carter traveled north through Bend and into Redmond. Authorities said Carter drove recklessly throughout the incident, posing a significant danger to the public. Out of concern for the safety of the child and other motorists, deputies temporarily disengaged from the pursuit multiple times.
During the course of the chase, Carter struck and intentionally damaged five law enforcement vehicles, including three Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office patrol units that sustained extensive damage and required towing. She also collided with at least two civilian vehicles in the Safeway parking lot in Redmond.
The pursuit came to an end at approximately 8:36 p.m. when deputies deployed spike strips and executed a Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver on Highway 97 in Redmond, just south of Exit 119 near Hemlock Avenue. The vehicle was brought to a controlled stop, and the juvenile was safely rescued. The child is now being reunited with their custodial parent.
Northbound Highway 97 in Redmond was closed for approximately 30 minutes while investigators processed the scene and removed damaged vehicles.
Carter was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, hit and run, reckless driving, reckless endangering, attempt to elude, and criminal mischief. Oregon State Police are expected to add additional charges. K9 Delta assisted in placing Carter into custody.
No injuries to law enforcement personnel or members of the public were reported.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office credited Oregon State Police and the Redmond Police Department for their assistance during the incident.
