Two Redmond fugitives caught after ramming unmarked patrol cars, trying to flee Terrebonne grocery store parking lot
(Update: Adding DCSO video)
Both also are accused of several dangerous pursuits in recent weeks
TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Two Redmond fugitives wanted on felony warrants tried to escape by ramming unmarked police cars in a Terrebonne grocery store parking lot but were trapped and arrested on several new charges, Deschutes County sheriff's deputies said Wednesday
Sheriff's deputies had developed information Tuesday regarding the whereabouts of two wanted fugitives, Redmond transients James Ayers, 33, and Kayla Busche, 35, Sergeant Jason Wall said.
"Both subjects had felony warrants for their arrest and had been involved in multiple dangerous vehicle pursuits over recent weeks, causing significant risk to the motoring public," Wall said in a news release.
"Due to the active attempts by Ayers and Busche to evade capture by law enforcement, a request was made to DCSO SWAT team members to coordinate an arrest, along with patrol assets," he explained.
"DCSO Patrol deputies received information from a concerned citizen about the potential location of both suspects, at Oliver Lemon's on 11th Street, the sergeant said.
At 9 a.m. Tuesday, deputies surrounded the suspect's pickup, attempting to effect an arrest, Wall said.
"Ayers was the driver of the vehicle and began ramming unmarked police vehicles in an attempt to escape," Wall wrote. "The unmarked vehicles, displaying emergency lights, were able to briefly immobilize the vehicle, during which time Ayers moved to the passenger seat as Busche moved to the driver's seat."
"Busche continued to ram and push police vehicles causing significant vehicle damage and creating an extremely dangerous and potentially lethal encounter," Wall continued. "Additional DCSO patrol vehicles arrived on scene and assisted in immobilizing the suspect vehicle. Both Ayers and Busche were taken into custody and arrested on their outstanding warrant" and several new charges.
Aerial video posted by the sheriff's office on its Facebook page showed smoke rising from the fugitives' pickup as the pair tried to escape by slamming back and forth, into the surrounding vehicles.
No injuries were reported in the incident, Wall told KTVZ News.
The charges against both suspects include second-degree attempted assault on a police officer (three counts for Ayers, two for Busche), felony fleeing or attempting to elude police, nine counts of reckless endangering, two counts of first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree escape and reckless driving. Ayers also is charged with felon in possession of a restricted weapon.
Ayers remained held without bail at the county jail Wednesday on a probation violation, while Busche was held without bail on a parole violation, jail records showed.