On Sunday, September 13, 2026, shortly before 6:00 p.m., deputies with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1500 block of Arthur Street in Klamath Falls following a report of shots fired. Officers from the Klamath Falls Police Department assisted with the response.
Klamath County Fire District 1 personnel were already at the residence providing medical care to an injured woman when an altercation occurred between two men at the residence. Fire and medical personnel separated the individuals and requested law enforcement assistance. The injured woman was subsequently transported by ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center for treatment.
As the remaining fire personnel were leaving the residence, 50-year-old Lance Bennett allegedly exited the residence and fired a handgun in the direction of the other man involved in the dispute. The fired round struck an occupied Klamath County Fire District 1 apparatus, causing damage to the vehicle. Fortunately, no firefighters were reported injured as a result of the gunfire.
Following the investigation, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Bennett on the following charges:
- Four counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree
- Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
Bennett was lodged in the Klamath County Jail pending arraignment. Investigators have also referred additional potential charges to the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the personnel from Klamath County Fire District 1 and the Klamath Falls Police Department for their assistance and professionalism during this incident.
This incident remains under investigation. No additional information is being released at this time.
An arrest is not a conviction. All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.