Redmond, OR. — A 9-year-old child reported kidnapped out of Multnomah County was safely recovered Tuesday night following a nearly 30-minute, multi-agency vehicle pursuit that spanned several Central Oregon communities, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began around 8:00 p.m. near La Pine when Oregon State Police attempted to stop a vehicle connected to a custodial interference and kidnapping investigation. The driver, identified as Charity Carter, 46, of La Pine, refused to stop and drove erratically, prompting a pursuit that moved north through Bend and into Redmond.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies joined the pursuit as Carter continued driving recklessly, at times posing a significant risk to the public. Deputies temporarily disengaged multiple times due to safety concerns for the child and other motorists.
During the pursuit, Carter intentionally struck 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 ended at approximately 8:36 p.m. on Highway 97 just south of Exit 119 near Hemlock Avenue, where deputies deployed spike strips and executed a Pursuit Immobilization Technique maneuver. The vehicle was brought to a controlled stop, and the child was safely rescued.
The juvenile is now being reunited with their custodial parent. Northbound Highway 97 was closed for about 30 minutes while authorities conducted the investigation and cleared damaged vehicles.
Carter was taken into custody with assistance from K9 Delta and faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, hit and run, reckless driving, reckless endangering, attempt to elude, and criminal mischief. Additional charges are expected from Oregon State Police. No injuries were reported among law enforcement officers or the public.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office credited Oregon State Police and the Redmond Police Department for their assistance during the incident.
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