Authorities searching for wanted felon following rollover crash
By Logan Bagett on Monday, July 12th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
GRANT/HARNEY COUNTIES – UPDATE: Here’s an update from Grant County Sheriff Todd McKinley on the search for Jason Skinner, who is wanted on a felony warrant. The Sheriff has information that Skinner was reportedly seen yesterday, July 11th, around 11 a.m. on the Izee-Paulina highway—westbound, on-foot, headed toward Paulina. The call delay was over three hours, so by the time law enforcement responded to the area he was either gone or hiding. Sheriff McKinley stated Skinner had most likely gotten a ride. Anyone who has seen or provided transportation to Skinner should contact authorities immediately. Information regarding the felony warrant was not released.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED: A wanted man is on the loose near the Grant-Harney County line. The following is a release from Grant County Sheriff Todd McKinley:
(Press Release from Grant County Sheriff Todd McKinley)
On the afternoon of July 10th near 1:00pm, the Grant County Emergency Communication Center (GCECC) took a 9M call from John Atkins of Burns Oregon reporting that he had been in a roll over car accident. Atkins did not know where he was and reported he and the driver, who was later identified as Jason Skinner, were taking back roads from Burns to Bend when they wrecked.
Atkins was providing limited information, but through the efforts of Grant County Deputies, Grant County SAR, Grant County Air Search, GCECC and multiple other agencies, Atkins was finally located around 5:30 pm from the aircraft. Deputies made it to Atkins’ location near 6:50 pm.
Atkins was reported uninjured, and was transported to Harney County, but the whereabouts of Jason Skinner are still unknown. Skinner is a 43-year-old white male who is currently wanted and has an outstanding felony warrant. It appears Skinner was avoiding the searchers and tracking teams.
Anyone traveling on the Burns-Izee route is advised to watch out for this individual and call 911 if he is seen. This is County Road 68 and the Forest Road 47 area near the Grant-Harney line, the Alsop Mountain area.
Sheriff McKinley would like to thank all agencies and personnel that have been involved in this search for their dedication and professionalism in getting this situation resolved.
