Media Release 16-744
Nature: Attempt to Elude Police/Motor Vehicle Crash Incident: 2016-744
Location: Union Avenue @ Ringuette Street Grants Pass OR
Date/Time of Incident: Wednesday, January 6th, 2016 at 3:15 PM
Completed by: Lieutenant Todd Moran Approved by: Deputy Chief Jim Hamilton
Location: Union Avenue @ Ringuette Street Grants Pass OR
Date/Time of Incident: Wednesday, January 6th, 2016 at 3:15 PM
Completed by: Lieutenant Todd Moran Approved by: Deputy Chief Jim Hamilton
Arrestee:
Kearns, Christopher S. 20 Years of age
Transient Grants Pass
Kearns, Christopher S. 20 Years of age
Transient Grants Pass
Charges:
1. Attempt to Elude Police (Vehicle) Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
2. Attempt to Elude Police (on foot) Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
3. Hit and Run (Felony) 2 Counts Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
4. Reckless Driving Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
5. Assault IV 2 Counts Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
1. Attempt to Elude Police (Vehicle) Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
2. Attempt to Elude Police (on foot) Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
3. Hit and Run (Felony) 2 Counts Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
4. Reckless Driving Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
5. Assault IV 2 Counts Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
Arrestee:
Kearns, Hunter A. 19 Years of age
Transient Grants Pass
Kearns, Hunter A. 19 Years of age
Transient Grants Pass
Charges:
1. Unauthorized Use of Vehicle Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
2. Unlawful Entry into Motor Vehicle Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
3. Attempt to Elude Police (Vehicle) Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
4. Reckless Driving Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
5. Criminal Mischief 2 Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
6. Probation Violation Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
1. Unauthorized Use of Vehicle Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
2. Unlawful Entry into Motor Vehicle Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
3. Attempt to Elude Police (Vehicle) Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
4. Reckless Driving Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
5. Criminal Mischief 2 Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
6. Probation Violation Lodged Jo. Co. Jail
Details:
On Sunday, January 3rd 2016 at approximately 7:20 PM, a phone call was received from the owner of a reported stolen SUV. The victim reported to police that they were following the stolen SUV in the southwest area of Grants Pass. Officers from the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety responded to the area, located the stolen SUV and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver of the SUV did not yield, but instead attempted to elude the officers. The driver later identified as 19-year old Hunter Kearns, led officers on a pursuit in the Redwood Avenue/Redwood Hwy area. Based on Hunter Kearns’ reckless driving, the officers terminated their pursuit.
On Sunday, January 3rd 2016 at approximately 7:20 PM, a phone call was received from the owner of a reported stolen SUV. The victim reported to police that they were following the stolen SUV in the southwest area of Grants Pass. Officers from the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety responded to the area, located the stolen SUV and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver of the SUV did not yield, but instead attempted to elude the officers. The driver later identified as 19-year old Hunter Kearns, led officers on a pursuit in the Redwood Avenue/Redwood Hwy area. Based on Hunter Kearns’ reckless driving, the officers terminated their pursuit.
The Detective Unit of the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety had been working on several cases in which Hunter Kearns was considered a suspect. Through detective’s investigation, it was revealed Hunter Kearns had been frequenting several locations throughout the Grants Pass area. On Wednesday, January 6th, detectives were conducting surveillance in the 500 block of NW E St. During their surveillance, detectives observed Hunter Kearns enter the passenger side of a vehicle at a residence. Detectives followed the vehicle as they coordinated an effort for a marked patrol car to assist with a traffic stop.
When a marked patrol unit arrived, a traffic stop was initiated on SW 5th St., near SW Rogue River Avenue. The driver later identified as 20-year-old Christopher Kearns failed to yield. Christopher Kearns accelerated and drove through the River Rock Café lot, and onto SW 6th St. Police units gave chase south on 6th St., across Caveman Bridge. Christopher Kearns turned west onto West Park St., where a Deputy from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office observed the reckless driving. The Deputy began pursuing Christopher Kearns west on West Park St., and south on Ringuette St. Christopher failed to stop for the stoplights at the intersection of Redwood Hwy. and Ringuette St., still traveling south.
When Christopher Kearns reached the 4-way stop at Ringuette St. and Union Ave., he again failed to stop. Christopher Kearns’ car collided with a vehicle that was passing through the intersection on Union Ave. The collision spun the unsuspecting motorist’s vehicle out of the intersection. Christopher Kearn’s vehicle continued in a southerly direction where it collided with a second vehicle that was stopped on Ringuette, south of Union Avenue.
After the collisions, both Christopher and Hunter Kearns got out of their vehicle and fled the crash scene on foot in opposite directions. The pursuing Deputy, along with numerous Grants Pass Officers and Detectives were immediately on scene following the crashes.
Christopher Kearns was apprehended from the roof of the Crisis Resolution Center on SW Ramsey Ave. Hunter Kearns was apprehended on the property of Three Rivers Community Hospital. Medical personnel from American Medical Response responded to assist with the motorists that had been struck by the car operated by Christopher Kearns. Both motorists were treated at the scene and released. Both Christopher and Hunter Kearns were transported to, and lodged at the Josephine County Jail. Investigations involving Hunter Kearns are ongoing with further charges expected. Anyone with information on Hunter Kearns involvement in additional criminal activity is urged to contact the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety at 541-450-6260.
