June 29, 2023 - Lassen County Sheriff's Office officials report that on 6/26/23, Deputies from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office observed a silver in color, Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling south bound on US Highway 395, near Flux Road, in Milford. The Deputy recognized the driver of the vehicle as Billie Keck, and the passenger in the vehicle as Kyle Keck. The Deputy recognized both of these individuals from numerous prior law enforcement contacts.

The Deputy was aware that Billie Keck had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest out of Lassen County as well as having a suspended driver’s license. Both Billie and Kyle Keck were suspects in numerous burglaries in the South County area.

Deputies positioned their vehicles behind Keck’s vehicle in order to make an enforcement stop. Deputies activated their overhead lights and sirens. Keck’s vehicle began speeding up and passing traffic. Speeds were constantly between 100-110 mph. Several vehicles had to drive off the shoulder of the roadway in order to avoid a collision with Keck’s vehicle.

While in pursuit, the suspect vehicle abruptly slammed on the brakes in an attempt to cause a collision with the pursuing deputies. The Deputies were able to avoid the collision and continue pursuing the suspect vehicle.

The suspect vehicle continued south bound on US Highway 395 and passed the Long Valley Creek bridge. Shortly after, the vehicle made an abrupt turn and began driving off-road through thick sage brush onto BLM land, towards Erwin Lane. Deputies discontinued pursuit of the vehicle. The pursuing Deputies set up a perimeter in the area and requested additional units. Several units from the Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol responded to assist, as well as a helicopter from the California Highway Patrol.

The occupants in the vehicle fled on foot towards Erwin Lane. A Deputy observed the suspect vehicle to be fully engulfed in flames. The fire quickly spread to the vegetation, causing approximately a ½ acre brush fire. Several fire agencies from the area responded and were able to extinguish the flames. A strong thunder cell moved through the area, causing a heavy downpour, along with wind and lightning.

Deputies received information that the possible suspects were seen running in the area of Pickens Road. Deputies and CHP Officers converged on the area and set up a refined perimeter and began searching for the suspects on foot. Deputies located both Billie and Kyle Keck hiding under vegetation. Deputies arrested both men without further incident, approximately 2 miles from the location of their vehicle.

Both men were transported to the Lassen County Jail where they were booked for the following charges:

Billie Keck:

2800.2 CVC- Felony evading arrest.

451(C) PC- Felony Arson.

243(b) PC- Battery on a Peace Officer or Emergency Personnel.

148(a)(1) PC- Resisting, obstructing, or delaying arrest.

459 PC- Burglary.

Lassen County Warrant #CR0089023 for vandalism and theft charges.

Kyle Keck:

148(a)(1) PC- Resisting, obstructing, or delaying arrest.

11377(a) H&S- Possession of a controlled substance.

11364 H&S- Possession of drug paraphernalia.

459 PC- Burglary.

The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the California Highway Patrol, Cal-Fire law enforcement, and the numerous fire agencies for their assistance in this case.

Captain Mike Carney

Source: Lassen County Sheriff’s Office