Route 66 Elude, Dec. 24

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into an attempt to elude that occurred on Friday evening Dec. 19, on Highway 66 between Keno and Ashland. Three suspects fled the vehicle after it stopped on Highway 66 near milepost 18. One of the suspects was apprehended within a short time and the other two suspects remain unaccounted for. On December 19, 2014, at approximately 7:11 pm, OSP troopers attempted a traffic stop on a 1999 Ford SUV on Highway 66 in the Klamath Falls area. The operator of the Ford SUV attempted to elude the troopers on Highway 66 to the area of milepost 18 when the vehicle stopped and three occupants fled on foot. During the attempt to elude one of the occupants in the Ford SUV threw an explosive device at pursuing troopers. Additionally, during the attempt to elude one of the occupants called 9-1-1 to report that bombs and been placed at two local schools in the Klamath Falls area. Investigators determined the claim about the bombs at the Klamath area schools to be unfounded. Shortly after the Ford SUV stopped one of passengers identified as LEVI CORTEZ, age 25, from Klamath Falls surrendered to troopers. Troopers identified the driver as CHRISTOPHER SELLARS, age 32, from Klamath Falls and the second passenger as WILLIAM NOBLE, age 24, from Klamath Falls. OSP SWAT was dispatched and responded to the area to assist with the search of the area for SELLARS and NOBLE. OSP, OSP SWAT and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies searched the area all night and are continuing their efforts to locate SELLARS and NOBLE. CORTEZ was taken into custody by troopers and was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges of Possession of a Destructive Device, Unlawful Manufacturing of a Destructive Device, Arson 1st Degree, Conspiracy and Attempted Assault 1st degree. Additional charges may be referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. Law enforcement officials conducted a reverse 9-1-1 call notifying residents in the search area of the situation. At 11:27 am, the second passenger involved in the attempt to elude, WILLIAM NOBLE, age 24, from Klamath Falls, turned himself into a resident in the vicinity of Highway 66 near milepost 19. OSP is continuing the search for 32 year old CHRISTOPHER S. SELLARS, of Klamath Falls.