Klamath Falls Pair Arrested After Burglary at Eagle Point Purple Parrot
Police say the suspects fled on an electric scooter before officers tracked them to separate locations in Eagle Point.
EAGLE POINT, Ore. — Two Klamath Falls residents were arrested Thursday morning after police say they burglarized the Purple Parrot in Eagle Point, fled from an officer on an electric scooter and were later tracked to separate locations across the city.
Eagle Point Police responded to a business alarm at the Purple Parrot, located at 10546 Old Highway 62, at about 5:45 a.m. July 23.
According to police, the first officer arriving at the scene saw two people nearby and attempted to stop them, but both fled the area on an electric scooter.
Deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist as officers confirmed the business had been burglarized and established a perimeter around the area.
Police deployed an Eagle Point Police Department drone while a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team joined the search.
A short time later, officers located 37-year-old Jennifer Grinnals of Klamath Falls hiding near Harnish Wayside Park, according to police.
Investigators then developed information that the second suspect may have been heading toward a vehicle parked near Hillside Elementary School and Old Schoolyard Park. Officers responded and found 39-year-old Kenneth Banes of Klamath Falls sitting inside a vehicle. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Investigators believe Banes entered the Purple Parrot through the roof after attempting to cut communication lines serving businesses in the complex.
Police said Banes apparently fell through the business’s drop ceiling while inside and was injured. He was later treated at Providence Hospital for injuries described as non-life-threatening and released before being lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
Police said damage inside the business is believed to exceed $1,000.
Banes was arrested on allegations of first-degree burglary, possession of burglar tools, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree theft and possession of methamphetamine.
Kenneth Banes, 39, of Klamath Falls
First-degree burglary
Possession of burglar tools
First-degree criminal mischief
Second-degree theft
Possession of methamphetamine
Probation violation detainer
Jennifer Grinnals, 37, of Klamath Falls
Conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary
According to Eagle Point Police, Banes was also on probation in Klamath County in connection with burglary, delivery of a controlled substance, theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Police said a probation detainer was placed on him following Thursday’s arrest.
Grinnals was arrested on an allegation of conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary.
Charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The Purple Parrot remained closed for several hours as investigators processed what police described as an extensive crime scene and collected evidence.
An Eagle Point Police detective assigned to the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team also responded to assist with the investigation.
Police later obtained a search warrant for the vehicle where Banes was found. Investigators said evidence recovered during the case is now being compared with information from other burglary investigations in the region.
The investigation remains active, and Eagle Point Police said other law enforcement agencies are being contacted to determine whether evidence from the case could be connected to additional property crimes in Southern Oregon.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Eagle Point Police Department.
Cover image: file photo, Eagle Point Police Department.
