Christmas Day pursuit in Harney County
By Mindy Gould on Thursday, December 26th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
BURNS (Released from Burns Police Department)-On December 25, 2024 at approximately 09:56 pm, a Burns Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a maroon Dodge pick-up on North Broadway Avenue near East Jackson Street, within the city of Burns, after the officer observed multiple traffic violations. During the contact, the vehicle fled the traffic stop. During the initial phase of the pursuit, the suspect vehicle was not successful in breaking contact with law enforcement.
The suspect vehicle, in an attempt to continue its flight and to evade further contact with law enforcement, struck a Burns Police Department patrol vehicle. At this point, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, later identified as 71 year old Donald Ratliff, was successful in his initial attempt to flee. Mr. Ratliff attempted to flee westbound on Hwy 20 leaving Burns, entering Hines.
A Harney County Sheriff’s Office Deputy then engaged in a pursuit of the suspect vehicle which continued into the county area westbound from Hines on Hwy 20. On-call personnel from the Harney County Sheriff’s Office, Hines Police Department, and Burns Police Department responded to assist.
A successful use of spike strips, which release air from the vehicle’s tires in a controlled manner, slowed the pursuit. Eventually, the vehicle was guided to the shoulder by patrol units, but Mr. Ratliff attempted to continue the pursuit off road, by entering private property and causing damage to a culvert and several sections of fencing before attempting to re-enter Hwy 20 near mile post 122. The vehicle got stuck in the soft roadside ditch, where he was taken into custody without further incident. It should be noted that the pursuit occurred in winter weather conditions with approximately five (5) inches of snow present on the roadway.
After on scene medical evaluation, as a precaution, Donald Ratliff was transported to the Harney County Correctional Facility. He was lodged for ORS 811.140 Reckless Driving (2 counts) and ORS 811.540 Attempt to Elude – Vehicle, ORS 811.700 Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver involved in a Property Damage Collision (5 counts), ORS 163.195 Reckless Endangering another Person (3 counts), ORS 164.365 Criminal Mischief I, and ORS 164.235 Criminal Trespass II.
If you should have any information in relation to the incident, contact Officer Dustin Beers at (541) 589-5213 or dbeers@cityofburnsor.gov
