Kidnapped Child Recovered After High-Speed Chase Through Central Oregon

REDMOND, Ore. (Dec 15, 2025) — Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office safely recovered a 9-year-old child reported kidnapped out of Multnomah County following a high-speed, multi-agency pursuit that lasted nearly 30 minutes and spanned several Central Oregon communities.

The pursuit began about 8 p.m. near La Pine when Oregon State Police attempted to stop a vehicle of interest connected to a custodial interference and kidnapping case involving the child. The driver, identified as Charity Carter, 46, of La Pine, refused to stop and began driving erratically, initiating the chase south of Bend.

As Carter traveled north through Bend and into Redmond, deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit. Authorities said Carter drove recklessly and posed a significant danger to the public, prompting deputies to temporarily disengage multiple times out of concern for the safety of the child and others on the roadway.

During the pursuit, Carter struck and intentionally damaged 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.

Deputies ended the pursuit using spike strips and a Pursuit Immobilization Technique maneuver on Highway 97 in Redmond, just south of Exit 119 near Hemlock Avenue. The vehicle was brought to a controlled stop at approximately 8:36 p.m., and the child was safely rescued. The juvenile is being reunited with their custodial parent.

Northbound Highway 97 in Redmond was closed for about 30 minutes to allow for the investigation and vehicle recovery.

Carter was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, hit-and-run, reckless driving, reckless endangering, attempt to elude and criminal mischief. Oregon State Police are expected to add additional charges. K9 Delta assisted in placing Carter into custody.

No injuries to law enforcement personnel or members of the public were reported. The Sheriff’s Office thanked Oregon State Police and the Redmond Police Department for their assistance.

All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law