The new year began with a bang for law enforcement in Harney and Malheur counties, resulting in the arrest of Joshua B. Christoffersen, 40, of Caldwell, Idaho, on various charges.

According to the Malheur County Sheriff’s Department, at around 3 a.m. on Dec. 31, a resident on Copeland Road in Harper heard some noise on a neighbor’s property and went to investigate. He noticed the suspect loading a tractor and a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) onto a trailer at the unoccupied ranch. He fired a warning shot into the air, and the suspect reportedly fired shots in return. The suspect then took off in a vehicle, pulling the trailer behind, headed west on Highway 20. The witness called 911 and proceeded to follow the suspect on the highway.

The witness reportedly came upon the suspect who had pulled off to the side of the road and ordered him to the ground, but the suspect jumped back into the truck and continued west. Along the way, the suspect lost the trailer, as well as the UTV and tractor off the trailer. Oregon State Police from Burns and officers from Harney and Malheur counties responded, and the suspect’s vehicle was located on Otis Road near Drewsey.

The search, including a helicopter, lasted about 12 hours before being called off for the day.

The following day, Malheur County deputies resumed the search and located Christoffersen inside a shed at the EP Minerals mining compound off U.S. 20.

The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office said Christoffersen was found walking away from the location. He was ordered to stop, but continued walking until finally stopping, and he was arrested without incident.

Christoffersen was lodged at Malheur County Jail on charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and aggravated theft in the first degree, with more charges pending. Christoffersen was released on Jan. 2.