Two suspects were arrested Monday after a high-speed pursuit that began in Milford and ended near Doyle, with both men captured hiding in the brush after foot-bailing from the vehicle.
Deputies from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office observed a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling southbound on Highway 395, near Flux Road, in Milford, recognizing the driver as Billie Keck, and the passenger in the vehicle as Kyle Keck.
The Deputy recognized both of these individuals from numerous prior law enforcement contacts.
“The Deputy was aware that Billie Keck had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest out of Lassen County as well as having a suspended drivers license,” explains LCSO Captain Mike Carney, who added that both Kecks were suspects in numerous burglaries in the South County area.
Deputies positioned their vehicles behind Keck’s vehicle in order to make an enforcement stop, activating their overhead lights and sirens. The suspect began speeding up and passing traffic, maintaining speeds between 100 and 110mph.
Several vehicles had to drive off the shoulder of the roadway in order to avoid a collision with Keck’s vehicle.
“While in pursuit, the suspect vehicle abruptly slammed on the brakes in attempt to cause a collision with the pursuing deputies. The Deputies were able to avoid the collision and continue pursuing the suspect vehicle.”
The suspect vehicle continued southbound on Highway 395, passing the Long Valley Creek bridge, then making an abrupt turn and driving off-road through thick sage brush onto BLM land, towards Erwin Lane.
“Deputies discontinued pursuit of the vehicle,” explains Carney. “The pursuing Deputies set up a perimeter in the area and requested additional units. Several units from the Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol responded to assist, as well as a helicopter from the California Highway Patrol.”
The occupants in the vehicle fled on foot towards Erwin Lane and a deputy observed the suspect vehicle fully engulfed in flames. The fire quickly spread to the vegetation, causing a small brush fire. Several fire agencies from the area responded and were able to extinguish the flames.
“Deputies received information that the possible suspects were seen running in the area of Pickens Road. Deputies and CHP Officers converged on the area and set up a refined perimeter and began searching for the suspects on foot.”
Deputies located both Billie and Kyle Keck hiding under vegetation and arrested both without further incident, approximately two miles from the location of their vehicle.
Both men were transported to the Lassen County Jail where they were booked for the following charges:
Billie Keck – Felony evading arrest, Felony Arson, Battery on a Peace Officer or Emergency Personnel, Resisting, obstructing, or delaying arrest, Burglary and a Lassen County Warrant for vandalism and theft charges.
Kyle Keck – Resisting, obstructing, or delaying arrest, Possession of a controlled substance, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Burglary.
Carney and the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office thanked the California Highway Patrol, Cal-FIRE law enforcement, and the numerous local fire agencies for their assistance in this case.
