Surgery on wounded Klamath County deputy delayed
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Doctors have decided to wait a day before operating on the Klamath County sheriff’s deputy who was shot in the face during a traffic stop involving a Jeep Cherokee.
Sheriff Frank Skrah says the surgery is now expected to happen Friday afternoon. Deputy Jason Weber remains in serious, but stable condition at OHSU Hospital in Portland. His wife is there along with Weber’s brother, Eric, a Portland police officer.
William Jack Parkerson has been charged with attempted aggravated murder in Wednesday’s shooting. Also arrested were Parkerson’s girlfriend and a man who police believe was in the Jeep Cherokee at the time of the shooting.
Klamath County Sheriff Frank Skrah says Parkerson of Klamath Falls was taken into custody just before 6 a.m. in Chiloquin, about 20 miles northwest of Klamath Falls.
Karey Leigh Pascoe, 33, faces charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated murder with a firearm and first-degree assault with a firearm.
The sheriff says everyone feels good about the fact that they were taken into custody without any further injuries and no shots fired.
In a statement, Skrah said, “We appreciate the efforts of all of the law enforcement who have assisted us in the apprehension of these suspects. We are fortunate to have such a strong brotherhood under the badge.”
“The family knows that the thoughts and prayers of the community go out to them at this difficult time. It is the request of Deputy Weber’s family that all contact related to Deputy Weber’s condition be directed to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.”
The Klamath County Major Crime Team also reported it found a vehicle associated with the shooting: a 1989 Jeep Cherokee with Oregon license plate ZFQ 270, between North Klamath and Rocky Point.
The 30-year-old Parkerson is 5-foot-11, 180 pounds. He’s bald and has the word “Norte” tattooed on his chest.
The deputy was shot in the face and side around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday while conducting a traffic stop on Bisbee Street in Klamath Falls, DA Rob Patridge said. Authorities have not said what the stop was for.
Any information or tips regarding the investigation should be routed to the Klamath Falls Police Department tip line at 541-883-5334 .
The Klamath County Major Crime Team is comprised of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, Oregon State Police, Klamath County Community Corrections, and Klamath County District Attorney’s Office.
