Sheriff’s Office: Two Arrested Following High-Speed Pursuit, Fire in Lassen County
On June 26, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office deputies apprehended two individuals following a high-speed pursuit and alleged arson incident near Flux Road. The suspects, identified as Billie Keck and Kyle Keck, were reportedly known to law enforcement from previous encounters.
According to a press release by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, deputies spotted a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee, reportedly driven by Billie Keck, traveling southbound on US Highway 395. Aware of an outstanding felony warrant for Billie Keck’s arrest, as well as a suspended driver’s license, the deputies initiated an enforcement stop. When the deputies activated their lights and siren, Keck allegedly accelerated the vehicle, reportedly reaching speeds between 100 and 110 mph.
During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle abruptly slammed on the brakes, seemingly intending to cause a collision with the pursuing deputies. The deputies evaded the maneuver and continued the chase. As the pursuit progressed, the suspect vehicle veered off-road into thick sage brush on Bureau of Land Management land, heading towards Erwin Lane. Deputies made the decision to discontinue the pursuit at that point.
Setting up a perimeter, law enforcement requested additional units and assistance from the California Highway Patrol and a helicopter from the California Highway Patrol. The suspects fled on foot towards Erwin Lane, the Sheriff’s Office said.
A deputy on the scene observed the suspect vehicle become engulfed in flames, spreading to the surrounding vegetation, resulting in a half-acre brush fire. Multiple fire agencies swiftly responded to extinguish the fire.
Following a tip about the possible whereabouts of the suspects in the area of Pickens Road, deputies and California Highway Patrol officers converged on the location, establishing a refined perimeter and beginning a search on foot. Approximately 2 miles from the site of their abandoned vehicle, deputies located and arrested both Billie and Kyle Keck without further incident.
Billie Keck has been booked at the Lassen County jail on suspicion of felony evading arrest, felony arson, battery on a peace officer or emergency personnel, resisting arrest, and burglary. Kyle Keck was booked on suspicion of resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and burglary.
