Chiloquin shooter charged with Attempted Murder

/

CHILOQUIN, Ore. - An active shooter armed with a rifle shot up parts of Chiloquin on Thursday. The shooter reportedly pointed his rifle at other citizens, shot vehicles, windows, and buildings. At one point, the suspect was observed inside the Chiloquin Community Center before swimming across the Williamson River.

[KFN Announced and followed this incident via our Facebook page.]

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) reported that shortly after 2:00 PM Thursday, deputies began investigating a report from a Chiloquin resident that a man had walked into her house with a rifle.At 4:18 PM, a report was received that a vehicle window had just been shot out by a man matching the description of the earlier incident.

Within moments, several calls were received through Klamath County 911, reporting a man walking through downtown Chiloquin, firing at vehicles and buildings, and pointing a rifle at people.

“As additional law enforcement resources responded, Chiloquin area schools were placed on lockdown, and an emergency alert was sent out for the Chiloquin area east of US Highway 97, advising everyone to shelter in place,” said Chris Kaber, Klamath County Sheriff.

Roadways into downtown Chiloquin were blocked off.

An additional caller reported that the armed man had entered the Community Center before being seen by KCSO deputies behind the building, still possessing a rifle.

The suspect was challenged by KCSO deputies who were attempting to close the distance to his last known location. The suspect dropped the rifle, before running into thick brush along the Williamson River where he was observed swimming across the river into a residential area.

Tracking his wet footprints, the suspect was located inside a nearby residence.

KCSO Deputies apprehended the suspect inside the home, where he had changed into dry clothing. Wet clothing evidence was located inside of the house. The suspect was then identified as Brian Adam Mason, 40, and was charged and lodged in the Klamath County Detention Center.

“Several more victims are being interviewed at the time of this release,” stated Sheriff Kaber. “One victim received small glass cuts as a result of the vehicle window being shot out. No other injuries were reported.”

All “shelter in place” restrictions were lifted at 5:42 PM. 

Arrested/Charged: Brian Adam Mason (age 40)  of Chiloquin, Ore.

Charges include:

  • Attempted Murder (x2)

  • Menacing (x4)

  • Unlawful Use of a Firearm

  • Felon in Possession of a Firearm

  • Burglary I

  • Theft I

  • Criminal Mischief

  • Disorderly Conduct

Assisting the KCSO in the incident were members of the Oregon State Police, the Klamath Falls Police Department, and the Klamath Tribal Public Safety Office.