Redmond, OR – A 46-year-old La Pine woman, Charity Lynn Carter, appeared in court Tuesday following a dramatic 30-minute police chase that spanned from La Pine to Redmond, authorities said. Carter is accused of taking her 9-year-old daughter from the Portland area without the father’s permission, sparking law enforcement pursuit the night before.
Carter faces multiple charges, including two counts of custodial interference, attempting to elude police, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and criminal mischief. Judge Bethany Flint ordered her held on $25,000 bail, meaning she must pay at least $2,500 to be released. She is also prohibited from having any contact with the child.
Custody Dispute Behind Alleged Incident
Prosecutors said the case stems from a custody battle dating back to 2019, with the father awarded sole custody in 2024. Carter allegedly took the child without consent from Portland, prompting the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) to begin a search on December 5.
MCSO clarified that there was no indication the child was in immediate danger, and the case did not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert. Instead, an alert was issued in a law enforcement database to request a welfare check on the child.
Chase Begins After Vehicle Stop Attempt
According to Deschutes County Public Information Officer Jason Carr, Oregon State Police attempted to stop Carter’s vehicle around 8:00 p.m. Monday, but she failed to yield, driving erratically and performing multiple U-turns. The pursuit then continued north of Bend into Redmond, where deputies noted the driver continued reckless behavior.
Concerned for public safety, deputies periodically backed off during the chase.
Vehicle Collisions During Pursuit
Carter intentionally hit and damaged five law enforcement vehicles, including three Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) vehicles that required towing due to extensive damage. She also collided with two civilian vehicles in the Redmond Safeway parking lot.
The pursuit ended at 8:36 p.m. on Highway 97 near Hemlock Avenue when deputies successfully performed a PIT maneuver. The child was safely rescued and reunited with her father. K9 Delta assisted in Carter’s arrest.
Northbound Highway 97 was closed for approximately 30 minutes for investigation and cleanup. There were no reports of injuries from the crash or pursuit.
Clarifying the Case
While Deschutes County initially treated the incident as a potential kidnapping due to Carter evading law enforcement with her daughter inside, MCSO clarified Tuesday that this is a case of custodial interference, not kidnapping. The “kidnapping” designation originated from the pursuit situation rather than evidence of harm to the child.
Court Proceedings and Bail
Carter appeared in court Tuesday facing the multiple charges stemming from the chase. Judge Flint set bail at $25,000, with a minimum payment of $2,500 required for release. She is prohibited from contacting the child, who remains under the custody of her father as the case proceeds.
Community Impact
The incident has left the community alarmed by the dangerous driving and potential risks posed to both law enforcement officers and the public. Officials continue to stress the importance of safely handling custody disputes through legal channels rather than risky confrontations.
Share Your Thoughts
What are your thoughts on custodial interference cases that escalate into high-speed pursuits? How should authorities balance child safety with public safety in these situations?
Share your opinion and experiences in the comments below.
