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Released by: Sergeant Joshua Barker
Release Date: March 30, 2024
Arrested Subjects:
Michael, Ruth Ellen, 48-year-old female, La Pine
Michael, Kameron Johnathan, 30-year-old male, La Pine
Fitch, Joseph Beau, 42-year-old-male, La Pine
Charges:
Burglary in the First Degree, Criminal Trespass in the First Degree
NARRATIVE:
On March 29, 2024, just after 7:00 p.m., deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a burglary in the 51000 block of Ash Rd in La Pine. Upon arrival, deputies were able to determine there were multiple subjects inside of the residence and that an active burglary was in progress as items were being removed from the residence and taken to a vehicle in the driveway.
Deputies were able to set a perimeter around the property with the assistance of troopers from the Oregon State Police. One of the suspects, Kameron Michael, attempted to leave the property in a vehicle and was taken into custody during a traffic stop as he exited the driveway. Deputies were able to determine there were still two additional suspects remaining in the residence, who were later identified as Ruth Michael and Joseph Fitch.
K-9 Vinnie and his partner responded to the scene. The residence was surrounded and announcements were made for the suspects to come out and surrender with no response. Deputies were ultimately able to breach the front door to the residence and Joseph Fitch was taken into custody without incident.
Announcements into the residence continued with no response and K-9 Vinnie was sent into the residence to search for the third outstanding suspect. K-9 Vinnie ultimately located Ruth Michael, who was non-compliant and hiding under a pile of clothing. Ruth Michael was captured and bit by K-9 Vinnie during this encounter. Ruth Michael was then taken into custody by deputies on scene.
Ruth Michael was evaluated by medical personnel as a result of the dog bite. All three suspects were transported to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Jail and lodged on the crimes of Burglary in the First Degree and Criminal Trespass in the First Degree.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police for their assistance during this investigation.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
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