by Wayne Lee Reporter/Photographer
On July 23, Eagle Point police responded to a business alarm at the Purple Parrot at 5:45 a.m. In a statement, Eagle Point Police Chief Jim Hammilton said, “Upon arrival of the first officer, two subjects were seen in the area. The officer attempted to stop the individuals, but they fled the area on an electric scooter. Additional deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist and began searching. Officers quickly confirmed that the business had been burglarized.
“While the building was being searched for additional suspects, a perimeter was established. The investigation included the deployment of an Eagle Point Police Department drone and a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team, which assisted in locating one of the subjects. A short time later, one of the subjects who had fled, Jennifer Grinnals, 37, of Klamath Falls, was found hiding near the Harnish Wayside Park.
“Through additional investigation, it was determined the other subject involved was possibly heading to a vehicle near Hillside Elementary School. Officers responded to that location and located a man sitting in a vehicle. He was identified as Kenneth Banes, 39, also from Klamath Falls.
“Barnes was found to be on probation for burglary, theft, delivery of a controlled substance, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. His probation officer was contacted, and a detainer was placed on him. Investigators believe he entered through the roof after attempting to cut the communication lines. While inside, he fell through the drop ceiling and injured himself.
“Barnes was treated for his injuries at Providence Hospital and released back into police custody before being lodged into the Jackson County Jail for both the current charges and the probation violations. Due to the extensive damage, estimated to be well over $1,000, the business was closed for several hours while officers processed the scene. Police obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, and the evidence found is being compared with information from other burglary investigations in the region.”
