Category Archives: Klamath Falls Breaking News

Washington Federal Bank Robbery Press Release 2/15

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On Friday, February 15, 2019 at approximately 930am, Klamath Falls Police Department Officers were dispatched to 803 Main Street, Washington Federal, on the report of an armed robbery. The male suspect brandished a handgun, demanded money, and left the rear exit of the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Officers have searched the area, have interviewed witnesses and employees, and are continuing the investigation per investigative policy. At this time the suspect is described as a white male adult, approximately 6-0 tall with a medium to large build. He was wearing a dark mask and a dark sweatshirt or jacket with lighter colored jeans or pants. He was also stated to be wearing thinner framed eyeglasses and was carrying a white bag, possibly to be a garbage bag.

Although it is safe to resume business in the area, please do not approach anyone you believe matches this description. Please call 911 with any possible suspect information. You may continue to see a large police presence in the area, while investigative leads are followed.

We wish to thank our law enforcement partners for their additional response and assistance this morning.

Video footage of suspect leaving the area while removing his jacket. If you recognize him, please contact the Klamath Falls Police Department at (541) 883-5336. Shared from the Klamath Falls Police Department.

Washington Federal Bank Robbery Video Of Suspect

 

Murder – Suicide Shooting This Morning In Klamath Falls Suburbs.

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The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police are currently investigating a reported shooting in the area of Madison and Onyx in the suburbs of Klamath Falls.

Just after 7am this morning, police and fire were dispatched to an address in the area mentioned above on a report of an elderly male who had shot a person inside a residence.

According to information Klamath Alerts has obtained, the victim and shooter are deceased.

We will release more information once an official press release is sent to us. This information is preliminary as the investigation is still ongoing.

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Update at 10:57am From Klamath County Sheriff 

Homicide/Suicide on Onyx Ave

At 7:13 AM on Thursday February 14, 2019 Klamath 911 Emergency Communication received a call from a third party, who was not on scene, of a shooting that had occurred at 6207 Onyx Ave in Klamath Falls. The responsible party was reported to be suicidal and still inside the location. Klamath County Sheriff’s Deputies responded with the Oregon State Police and Klamath Fire District 1.

Deputies attempted to make contact inside the residence with no response. Upon entry the male resident, 86 year old, Fred E. Mulkey, was found deceased, as a result of suicide. In a separate room, Susan Samsel, 53 years of age, the live-in caregiver, was located deceased with gunshot wounds.

The Klamath County Major Crime Team consisting of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County District Attorney Office, Oregon State Police and The Klamath Falls Police have assembled and continue to investigate.

Klamath County strives to protect its citizens. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or having suicidal thoughts call 1(800) 273-8255 or text HELP to 741741.

Power Outage For 1885 Customers In Klamath

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Pacific Power Reporting Power Outages

At about 2:15am Pacific Power reported an outage in the Klamath Falls and Keno areas. As of posting time at 6:17am the power appears to still be out for these areas. There is also a power outage south of Grants Pass.

Pacific Power is currently showing a “before 9:30am” restoration time for the outage near Klamath Falls.

Updated @ 5:10 am: Repairs continue on outage in Keno & Klamath Falls. Approx 1,883 customers are out down from 3,449 at the peak of the outage. The estimated time of restoration is 9:30 am. Thank you for your patience as we work to safely restore you power as quickly as possible

Snow Day For Local Schools and OIT 2-13-19

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Snow Day School Closure Alert 2-13-19 

All County and City Schools are now closed.

OIT is closed.

New Horizon and Hosanna are closed.

KCC is closed.

The list also includes College of Cosmetology, Klamath KID Center, Shasta Way Christian, Our Place to Grow, Triad, Oregon Child Development Coalition, Head Start, and more.

If your school isn’t listed please check with them directly.

 

 

Winter Storm Update 2-12-19 PM

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Winter Storm Update 2-12-19 PM

A major winter storm is now approaching our area and it is associated with an atmospheric river. Here is the latest information.

Snow is forecast for our area tonight and it is already snowing at the higher elevations. Snow levels are now expected to rise on Wednesday to 6,500 feet. Snow is expected to turn to rain in the morning for our local area (around 10am or so). Eventually snow levels are expected to drop Thursday as another cold front approaches. An additional cold front will lower snow levels more as snow levels Friday are expected to be back to around 2000 – 1500 feet.

Freezing rain is possible for Klamath Falls in the morning on Wednesday during the expected transition from snow to rain and sleet. Currently little to now ice accumulation is expected.

ODOT has released a travel advisory for extreme travel conditions in the mountains tonight.

The snow is expected to be very wet and heavy and there is a high risk of downed trees and possible power outages.

The NWS is forecasting near-record 24-hour snowfall amounts for Mount Shasta City tonight as 1 to 2 inch per hour snowfall rates are expected to occur.

Current best guess on snow amounts for Klamath Falls is 3-7 inches of new snow tonight and around 1-2 inches Wednesday before it changes to rain. If the forecast is right we will have a slushy mess to deal with by late Wednesday morning.

Hazard Summary With This Storm: 

  • Downed trees due to heavy snow and high winds
  • Possible power outages
  • Heavy snow rates and drifting snow mixed with high winds producing areas of zero visibility
  • Wiper blades could be overpowered by heavy snow rates or blowing snow in mountain areas
  • Snow covered roadways

Currently there are no flood advisories but the NWS will be watching river levels as the snow levels rise and rain moves in over the snow. We will update if new information becomes available.

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ODOT Emergency Info – Extreme Driving Conditions Expected

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Extreme Driving Conditions Expected With Approaching Major Storm:

Travelers driving over southern Oregon mountain passes should expect extreme winter conditions tonight into Thursday. That includes all I-5 mountain passes from Mt. Shasta north to Canyon Mountain, and includes all Cascade Mountain passes and the U.S. 97 corridor.

Lower elevations, including the coast highways, will see heavy rains.
Expect delays and difficult driving conditions.

“Please slow down. We’ve already witnessed too many crashes because drivers were driving too fast for the conditions,” said ODOT Assistant District Manager Jeremiah Griffin. “We’re doing our best to keep up with the snow and ice.”
ODOT continues ‘All Hands on Deck’, but drivers need to do their part.

They should expect to drive on snow-covered roads and be ready with:
* Chains- and know how to put them on
* Coats, gloves and blanket
* Full tank of gas
* Cell phone, water and snacks

Know before you go:
In Oregon: https://tripcheck.com
In California: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Weather Outlook: Snow Storm With Wind – Low Elevation Rain

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Strong Winter Storm Expected Tuesday Afternoon Into Wednesday

A new storm is expected to bring Klamath Falls about 4-6 inches of new snow Tuesday afternoon or evening into Wednesday. This storm is also expected to dump heavy rain on areas in our region below 2,500 feet. High winds are expected with this snow storm so limited visibility and occasional white out conditions are possible. Heavy snow with the wind could topple trees and cause power outages in some areas. Wind gusts could approach 50mph in some higher mountain areas such as Lake of the Woods and Crater Lake. Gusts around 35mph are expected for our local Klamath Falls area.

We have been following this with the NWS and the forecast models have varied the snow amounts quite a bit. Initially the snow amounts were expected to be much higher. Keep in mind that the forecast snow amounts could still be refined up or down as we get closer to the timing of the storm arrival. Please use caution if you plan to travel Tuesday or Wednesday.

More Snow Possible Friday 

It looks like an additional snow storm may arrive Friday as well. We will update with more information on the Friday storm as it gets closer. The timing and details with this storm are still uncertain.

The Latest Information From NWS Medford:

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Graphics from NWS Medford

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Weather Outlook: Multiple Cold Snow Storms Inbound. Extended Period Of Snow Possible

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Snow, Snow, and More Snow! 

Multiple cold and wet weather systems are expected to impact our area beginning late tonight. The weather systems have the moisture and cold air to essentially turn on the “snow machine” over much of our region.

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Above: Most of Oregon is currently under a winter storm watch or warning tonight

At the time of this post, nearly all of Oregon is under some sort of a winter weather advisory or warning. We reported earlier today on Pacific Power offering tips to prepare for the incoming snow storms.

Snow should begin overnight tonight and the heaviest snow for our area is expected Saturday morning into the afternoon. Here is the projected snowfall amounts for the Saturday storm.

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Snow and Ice on major highways and roads:

Roads above 2000 feet beginning tonight.

– Roads above 1000 feet beginning Saturday morning.

– Down to 500 feet or lower by Sunday morning.

• Coastal areas may see periods of snow down to the beaches, but the heaviest accumulations will be above 500 feet.

• Heaviest widespread snow Saturday morning into Saturday evening, then showers Saturday night into Sunday morning.

• Any snow that melts on roads during the day will likely refreeze at night, resulting in icy roads.

Snow Showers are expected to continue after the Saturday storm and here is the current thinking on snow amounts for Sunday into Monday.

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The farther into the future we go the NWS has less confidence on snowfall amounts. However, the current forecast amounts follow for Monday-Wednesday here.

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If the current forecast models are correct, it is very possible we will see on and off snow from tonight into next weekend. Looking at the totals in the higher elevations, we should make up some ground this week on our snow pack for sure.

According to the NWS some areas of our region may see more snow in a four day period than has been seen (in a four day period) in the past 50 years.

At the very least here are a few things to be prepared for: 

  • Widespread snow throughout the region with snow covered roads and ice.
  • A decrease in emergency crew response time as they will likely be very busy and have slower response times due to road conditions.
  • POSSIBLE power outages in some areas
  • Winds up to 30mph in some areas blowing and drifting snow and possible white out conditions.
  • An extended period of accumulating snow.

As always, Klamath Alerts will continue to monitor the incoming storms and update as more information becomes available. Graphics are provided by NWS Medford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Klamath Falls Police Officers Receive Life Saving Award

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Three Officers Receive Life Saving Medals

Officer Ben Krueger, Officer Thomas Reif and Reserve Sergeant Bobby Langfield were each awarded a Life Saving Medal for their actions that saved the life of a female on January 11, 2019.

The officers responded to the South 6th viaduct after receiving information about a female threatening to commit suicide. The officers arrived on scene and found the female leaning backwards off the viaduct while grasping the outer rail.

Reserve Sergeant Langfield began talking with the female and developed a rapport while other officers developed a plan to prevent her from harming herself. Reserve Sergeant Langfield spoke with her for several minutes while Officer Krueger and Officer Reif moved closer toward her. Officer Krueger and Officer Reif simultaneously grabbed her and quickly pulled her over the rail to the safety of the bridge.

Their plan was well thought out, decisive, and proved to be the best course of action to prevent any harm to the female. Their compassion and exception performance resulted in saving her life.

The decisions and actions of the officers on that night reflect great credit on themselves, their families, and the Klamath Falls Police Department.

Thank you, Officers Krueger, Reif and Langfield! We are extremely proud of you.

 

~ Press Release From Klamath Falls City Police Department

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* Photos by Sean Bassinger and provided by City of Klamath Falls PD

Arctic Front Approaching Area Tonight And Winter Storm Update

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An arctic cold front is approaching the area and region now. Snow levels are already reported down to near sea level in the Seattle, WA area at time of this posting. The approaching storm has origins in western Canada and is bringing very cold air with it.

The NWS says that exact snow amounts are difficult to predict with these types of storms because the precipitation is showery and terrain can enhance the snowfall amounts in some areas, while leaving other areas a short distance away with little or no snow.

The latest information from the NWS suggests that Klamath Falls will see roughly 5 inches if snow in most areas from this storm. Expect widespread winter driving conditions and very cold weather behind this storm. Highs for the next couple of days are only forecast near freezing. Depending on clearing Tuesday we could be looking at low temperatures in the single digits for our area.

Dangerous Travel Conditions Expected Tonight And Monday:

Because of the extended shower activity and cold air, any melting snow during the day Monday will rapidly convert to ice Monday evening.

Widespread travel impacts for most highways and area roads due to snow:

○ Roads above 2000 feet this evening.

○ Roads above 1000 feet tonight.

○ Roads down to 500 feet by Monday morning.

○ Coastal areas may see periods of snow down to the beaches but expect only brief and light snow on roads.

● Snow is possible all the way down to 500 feet Monday morning.

● Heaviest snow expected tonight into Monday morning then scattered to numerous light to moderate showers into Monday evening.

● Below freezing temperatures across southern Oregon and northern California Tuesday morning. (Teens east of the cascades, 20s west of the Cascades) Could be near freezing at the coast.

● Any snow that melts on roads during the day Monday will likely refreeze Monday night, resulting in icy roads.

*Travel is strongly discouraged during a winter storm because conditions could become dangerous.

*If you must travel tomorrow, especially over the passes, be sure to take an emergency supply kit containing food, water, medications, blankets, flashlight with batteries, and a fully charged phone with phone charger with you.

*Check road conditions before you go. Check www.tripcheck.com for

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Sprague River Road Closure Extension Into Weekend With Detour

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Road Closure

ROAD CLOSURE EXTENDED DUE TO CONTINUED ROADSIDE CLEANUP AND CLEARING OF WRECK

Sprague River Road will continue to be closed from Williamson River Road to Lone Pine Road between milepost 12 & 13. Closure has been extended due to continued roadside cleanup and clearing of wreck. Estimated closure will be from Friday, February 1st through Saturday, February 2nd . A detour route on Williamson River Road and Lone Pine is available during the closure. Local traffic only will be allowed for residences located on Sprague River Road. Road closure may take longer or shorter, depending on cleanup and weather conditions

Sprague River Road will continue to be closed from Williamson River Road to Lone Pine Road between milepost 12 & 13. Closure has been extended due to continued roadside cleanup and clearing of wreck. Estimated closure will be from Friday, February 1st through Saturday, February 2nd.

A detour route on Williamson River Road and Lone Pine is available during the closure. Local traffic only will be allowed for residences located on Sprague River Road. Road closure may take longer or shorter, depending on cleanup and weather conditions

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