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| California Fugitive With History of Explosives Possession Arrested North of Albany | ||
| 07/10/2007 | ||
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Lieutenant Gregg Hastings Public Information Officer Office: (503) 731-3020 ext. 247 Photograph links valid for 30 days - Source: Oregon State Police / Marion County S.O. http://www.flashnews.net/images/news/071007.i5mp243.mckernan.3.jpg http://www.flashnews.net/images/news/mackenzie%20s%20mckernan.jpg During what would have been a routine assist of a disabled motorist, a California man with a history of possessing explosives was arrested Tuesday afternoon southbound Interstate 5 north of Albany as a Fugitive from Justice. The incident led Oregon State Police and ODOT to close a freeway off ramp while an Explosive Detection Canine Unit checked the car for possible explosives. After the car was cleared, the freeway off ramp was reopened and the car was moved to a safe location for further investigation. On July 10, 2007 at approximately 12 noon a report was received of a white 2003 Pontiac Vibe displaying California license plates out of gas southbound Interstate 5 at exit 243 near the bottom of the freeway off ramp. An ODOT employee stopped to assist and noted there was one person in the car. A check on the provided license plate indicated the vehicle was entered by San Bernardino County, California Sheriff's Department as a ‘Felony Vehicle' associated with a suspect wanted for making threats. Oregon State Police troopers from Albany and Salem responded to the scene and took the occupant, identified as MACKENZIE SCOTT MCKERNAN, age 32, into custody as a Fugitive from Justice. According to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBCSD), on July 6th deputies from the Rancho Cucamongo Sheriff's Station took a report that MCKERNAN made terrorist threats against family, not government officials, using explosive devices or bombs. On July 7th, SBCSD entered information into the NCIC that MCKERNAN was wanted on a felony warrant for Crimes against Persons. Due to the possibility that the vehicle may contain explosives, Oregon State Police took the necessary precaution of blocking the southbound off ramp. Bomb technicians from Oregon State Police and Marion County Sheriff's Office, and an Explosives Detection Canine Unit from the Federal Protective Services out of Eugene, responded to assist. Upon arrival, a check of the car's exterior by the canine unit led bomb technicians to believe it was safe to move the car to a nearby location for further investigation. Gas was brought to the scene and it was then moved away from the freeway lanes to a safe location. MCKERNAN was lodged in Marion County Jail. Questions regarding the original case should be directed to SBCSD Public Affairs at (909) 387-3700. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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