Update: The Lane County Sheriff’s Office posted the following: “Assault suspect Travis Gerlits and his 3 year old son were located earlier today after being out in the woods overnight. Due to the remote area they were located in, a helicopter was requested to get the child and Gerlits out. The child was taken to the hospital to be medically evaluated, and Travis Gerlits is cooperating with law enforcement. The assault investigation is ongoing.”
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LANE COUNTY, Ore. – Police in northwestern Oregon are asking people to be on the lookout for an assault suspect and his young son.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office said on the morning of November 21, 41-year-old Travis Gerlits was allegedly involved in an assault near Oakridge. He was seen shortly after deputies responded to the area and led police on a low-speed pursuit. Eventually, he ditched his vehicle and fled on foot into the woods near Brice Creek.
Deputies believe Gerlits has his 3-year-old son with him. Due to the cold temperatures overnight, deputies said they’re “extremely concerned” about the boy’s welfare.
The sheriff’s office said they’ll continue to search for Gerlits and his son. Deputies said Gerlits may be armed, so he should not be approached. Anyone with further information about their location is asked to call police.
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