Authorities are on the lookout in Oregon for 42-year-old fugitive Christian Bert Fischer, who escaped an arrest attempt in Idaho and may now be hiding in Oregon. Fischer, convicted of a child sex crime in Florida, is reportedly using disguises, including dressing as a woman, to evade capture.
The U.S. Marshals Service's Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force tried to apprehend Fischer in Athol, Idaho, last Tuesday, October 22, on an out-of-state warrant. However, Fischer managed to escape along Kelso Lake Road. Shortly before the attempt, he was reportedly seen carving pumpkins with an unidentified family in the area, who authorities are now urging to come forward.
Fischer was initially arrested in 2022 by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Florida for allegedly arranging to meet a minor after using online communications to lure the child. During his arrest, police found items indicating intent, including condoms, lubricant, rope, narcotics, and other items. While he attended the first day of his trial in February, he failed to appear on the second day, choosing instead to flee. He was ultimately convicted in absentia, and a Florida court is awaiting his return for sentencing.
Following his disappearance, Fischer has reportedly traveled through multiple states, including California, Oregon, and Idaho. He has used fictitious names, relied on cash transactions, and received financial assistance from associates to remain hidden. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office in Oregon confirmed that Fischer has connections to Southern Oregon and has been spotted in several locations around the state, including Portland, Ashland, Lake of the Woods, and Wolf Creek, between June and July.
Additionally, while in North Idaho, Fischer reportedly attempted to befriend families, including those with children. Authorities believe this could indicate a continued risk, urging anyone who has interacted with Fischer to contact law enforcement immediately.
Fischer is described as a 5-foot-10, 200-pound white male with blonde hair and hazel eyes and is known to dress in feminine attire at times.
The U.S. Marshals Service advises anyone with information to contact their local office or the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or or USMS tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips. A reward of up to $5,000 is also being offered by the Hernando County Crime Stoppers for any tips that lead directly to Fischer's arrest.
Original article source: Search intensifies in Oregon for fugitive charged with luring child and escaped capture across multiple states