Klamath Falls Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Bullet Hits Fire Truck

Public Safety
Written By Brian Gailey

Four attempted murder charges followed a Sunday evening shooting on Arthur Street; no firefighters were injured.

ARREST DETAILS

Arrested
Lance Bennett, 50

Incident
Authorities say Bennett fired a handgun during a dispute, striking an occupied Klamath County Fire District 1 apparatus.

Charges
- Attempted Murder II (x4)
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Disorderly Conduct II
- Criminal Mischief I

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — A man faces four counts of attempted murder after authorities say he fired a handgun during a dispute Sunday evening, striking an occupied Klamath County Fire District 1 vehicle as firefighters were leaving a residence.

Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 1500 block of Arthur Street shortly before 6 p.m. Sept. 13 after a report of shots fired. Klamath Falls Police officers also assisted.

 
 

Fire District 1 personnel had already been at the home providing medical care to an injured woman when an altercation broke out between two men, according to the sheriff’s office. Fire and medical crews separated the men and requested law enforcement.

The woman was transported by ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center. Authorities did not release information about the nature of her injuries or whether they were connected to the later dispute.

As the remaining fire personnel were leaving, investigators say 50-year-old Lance Bennett came out of the residence and fired a handgun in the direction of the other man.

 
 

The round struck an occupied Fire District 1 apparatus and damaged the vehicle. No firefighters were injured.

Deputies arrested Bennett following the investigation. He was lodged in the Klamath County Jail pending arraignment.

Investigators have also referred additional potential charges to the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office for review.

The shooting remains under investigation.

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Brian Gailey

Brian Gailey is a journalist, entrepreneur, and communications professional with more than 15 years of experience covering local news, public policy, and complex community issues across Southern Oregon and Northern California. His reporting has focused on accountability, transparency, and the real-world impacts of decisions made at the local and regional level.

Beyond journalism, Gailey brings a background in business strategy, marketing, and media consulting. He is the founder and publisher of Jefferson Daily News, where he combines editorial experience with a modern, digital-first approach to local news—prioritizing accuracy, balance, and accessibility in an evolving media landscape.

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