SHADY COVE, OR -- A 33-year-old Bend man is accused of trying to steal a car in Southern Oregon with a baby inside. Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a carjacking and attempted kidnapping at the Shady Cove Chevron gas station Friday morning at 10:45.
Investigators say a man stole the victim’s running vehicle parked with her 1-year-old child inside. A few feet away the mother saw what was happening and ran to the car, opened the driver’s door and pleaded with him to stop so she could get her child out. Knowing the infant was in the car he still attempted to flee with the mother hanging on the outside of the door. The mother fought with the suspect and was able to get him to stop in the middle of Hwy 62. The suspect ran and JCSO deputies and a K-9 unit began to track him. He was located hiding under a tarp and arrested.
Jason Lee Cheatham, of Bend, is charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts of second-degree kidnapping, two counts of recklessly endangering, first-degree robbery, second-degree disorderly conduct, and harassment. He is lodged in the Jail under several Measure 11 felony charges and is not eligible for pre-trail release. Further information will come from the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
