Deschutes County Sheriff's Office
Emergency Messages as of 3:56 am, Fri. Mar. 29
No information currently posted.
Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Deschutes County Sheriff's Office.
Primary email address for a new account:

  
And/or follow our FlashAlerts via Twitter

About FlashAlert on Twitter:

FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Deschutes County Sheriff's Office by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.

Click here to add Deschutes County Sheriff's Office to your Twitter account or create one.

@DeschutesSO

Hide this Message


Manage my existing Subscription

News Releases
Media Release
Media Release
Officer Involved Shooting Being Investigated by Major Incident Team (Photo) - 03/21/24

****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: March 21, 2024

Location: Highway 97-mile post 136

Decedent:  Platz, Gabriel Keith, 18-year-old male, Bend

Narrative:

On March 20, 2024, The Major Incident Team was activated to investigate the officer involved shooting that had taken place on Highway 97 at approximately mile post 136. The Deschutes County Sheriff Office is leading the Major Incident Team.

In conjunction with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, the Major Incident Team, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office the initial investigation has revealed the decedent, Gabriel Platz, brandished a firearm during his contact with the City of Bend Police Department moments before an officer discharged their agency issued firearm. 

This investigation is on-going and active at this time, any further information will be released by the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

 

****END OF RELEASE****

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Attached Media Files: Media Release
boat
boat
2024 Mandatory Boater Education Exams and Pre-Season Boat Inspection Opportunity (Photo) - 03/20/24

Released By Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: March 20th, 2024

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is pleased to announce the return of our free mandatory Boater Education card proctored examination, as well as a pre-season opportunity to have your motorized boat inspected. Oregon law requires Oregon residents 16 years of age and older who operate powered boats of more than 10 horsepower, to obtain their Mandatory Boater Education card. Failure to have a card under the above conditions might result in a $142 fine. This card is not a license to operate a boat, as there is no such requirement in Oregon. Once a boater receives their card, it never has to be renewed. There is a one-time $20 cost to receive your card and duplicate cards are available for $16.

Boat operators can also access the testing material and take the test on-line through the Oregon State Marine Board website, but there is generally a fee associated with the test and receiving a certificate. Exam participants will be shown an informational video prior to the proctored examination and will have an opportunity to ask questions. Additional exam preparation material can be found on the Oregon State Marine Board web site under “Study Guide”. A 75-question multiple choice test will be given; a minimum score of 70% is needed to pass. The tests are graded upon completion; necessary paperwork and information on how to receive their card from the Oregon State Marine Board will be given.

The following is the schedule of classes for 2024. All exams run from 9am-12pm and are held at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in Bend (63333 Hwy 20 West). There is no sign up or registration for the exam, but please arrive a few minutes prior to the start of the class to check in. For additional information, go to www.sheriff.deschutes.org, or boat-ed.com/oregon/ or contact the Sheriff’s Office at 541-388-6501.

2024 Class Dates: May 11th, June 8th, July 13th and August 24th

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will also be providing an opportunity for boaters to have their boats inspected at three different locations in Deschutes County. The inspections will be offered on April 13th, 2024, at Big Country RV in Redmond, the Main Sheriff’s Office parking lot in Bend and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office substation in La Pine. DCSO Marine Deputies and Volunteers will be present at the above locations on April 13th, between the hours of 9am-2pm.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Attached Media Files: boat
Structure Fire
Structure Fire
One Arrested After Structure Fire and Obstruction of Emergency Response (Photo) - 03/19/24

Released by: Sergeant Chris Barringer

Release Date: March 19, 2024

Location: 25800 block of Alfalfa Market Road, Bend, OR

Arrested: David Sheridan, 45 year old male, Bend, OR 

Charges: 

Arson in the First Degree

Reckless Burning

Obstructing Governmental or Judicial Administration

Criminal Mischief in the First Degree

 

NARRATIVE:

On March 19, 2024 at approximately 1733 hours, Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported structure fire in the 25800 block of Alfalfa Market Road east of Bend.

While in route, Deputies learned a male, later identified as David Sheridan, had called 911 to report he had set his own house on fire.  Sheridan’s house is located at the end of a long driveway off of Alfalfa Market Road with fencing on either side, limiting maneuverability for responding emergency vehicles. 

Upon arrival, Deputies discovered an overturned Toyota Tacoma pickup on its side blocking access to Sheridan’s property.  Sheridan was observed driving a skidsteer on the property, and positioned it next to the overturned pickup, further impeding access. He climbed on top of the skidsteer and waved to deputies while they attempted contact with P.A. announcements. 

At this point, the residence on the property was fully engulfed while Sheridan was refusing to approach Deputies.  Alfalfa Fire was on scene, but unable to access the property due to the blocked driveway.

A decision was made to contact and detain Sheridan due to the growing danger of the fire spreading to neighboring properties.  Deputies had also been unable to confirm if anyone else was on the property that needed assistance.

After approaching Sheridan, he surrendered to Deputies.  The investigation confirmed Sheridan had set the fire, and had purposely blocked the driveway to impede fire response from putting out the fire. No one else was located on the property.

Sheridan was transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail and lodged on the aforementioned charges.  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks Alfalfa Fire for the response and assistance.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

 

## End of Release ##

Attached Media Files: Structure Fire , Structure Fire
45ee8667-0d6b-4f81-a2c5-6406ee971366.png
45ee8667-0d6b-4f81-a2c5-6406ee971366.png
DHS, DCSO and Deschutes County 911 Working Together to Help Persons with Additional Needs Update Deschutes Alerts Profile (Photo) - 03/15/24

Beginning Monday March 18, 2024, The Oregon Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes County 911, will be conducting phone outreach to certain people who have signed up for Deschutes Alerts to remind them to update their information. If you are a person who has signed up for Deschutes Alerts and have also identified as having one or more additional needs such as mobility challenges or oxygen use, the Oregon Department of Human Services may contact you this month to help you update your information.  

Deschutes Alerts is one way first responders in Deschutes County notify people of life-threatening emergencies such as wildfires. If you live or work in Deschutes County, you should sign up for Deschutes Alerts by visiting deschutesalerts.org

You can log into your Deschutes Alerts account or create a new account by visiting deschutesalerts.org. If you need assistance accessing or creating an account, please call 541-388-6501 during business hours. If you want to find another county’s emergency notification system, visit ORAlert.gov.  

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Fatal Single Vehicle Rollover Accident on Wilt Rd. near Sisters - 03/13/24

****UPDATE****

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: March 13, 2024

Deceased Driver: Gast, Kevin Blake, 65-year-old male, Sisters, Oregon

****END OF UPDATE****

 

 

 

Released by: Sgt. Chris Barringer

Release Date: March 12, 2024

 

Driver #1: Withheld pending notification of family

 

NARRATIVE: On March 12, 2024, at approximately 2026 hours, Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported single vehicle rollover accident near the intersection of Wilt Rd. and Hinkle Butte Rd. north of Sisters.  Deputies were advised a Dodge Ram pickup was resting on its side on the shoulder of the road.

Upon arrival Deputies determined no other vehicles were involved. The driver of the crashed pickup was determined to be deceased at the scene.  The name of the driver is being withheld pending notification of family.  Wilt Rd. was temporarily closed for the investigation but has since been reopened.

Officers with the Black Butte Police Department and Sisters Fire personnel also responded to the scene.  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks them for their assistance.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

DCSO Badge
DCSO Badge
* Update * Unresponsive adult male at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort (Photo) - 03/06/24

Released by Lt. Mike Sundberg 

Updated release March 6th, 2024

Narrative

On March 5th, 2024 at about 2:06 PM, emergency personnel and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive adult male at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort. The reported individual had been located in the West Bowl ski area.

While emergency resources responded, a citizen began performing life-saving techniques for the unresponsive individual, including CPR. Mount Bachelor Ski Patrol and Bend Fire Medics continued to provide emergency medical care as the subject was transported to the Mt. Bachelor onsite medical facility. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

The initial investigation performed by the Sheriff’s Office has determined the following details: 

The deceased subject was identified as Bend resident Robert Douglas Harrington, 58 years of age. Mr. Harrington was an avid skier and was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. Mr. Harrington had initially accessed the Northwest Express lift and was discovered unresponsive by a citizen approximately 30 minutes later. Mr. Harrington was found to be suffering from the effects of snow immersion suffocation. 

The Deschutes County Medical Examiner assisted with the investigation and their findings were consistent with snow immersion suffocation. There was no evidence of trauma to Mr. Harrington and his helmet was not damaged. 

End of updated release.

 

Released by Lt. Mike Sundberg 

Released date March 5th, 2024

NARRATIVE

On March 5th, 2024 at about 2:06 PM, emergency personnel and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive adult male at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort. The reported individual had been located in the West Bowl ski area.

 While emergency resources responded, a citizen began performing life-saving techniques for the unresponsive individual, including CPR. Mount Bachelor Ski Patrol and Bend Fire Medics continued to provide emergency medical care as the subject was transported to the Mt. Bachelor onsite medical facility. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

This is an ongoing investigation, and we are currently attempting to contact the subject’s next of kin. Additional details will be released at a later time.   

End of release

Attached Media Files: DCSO Badge
Tracked Rescue Vehicle
Tracked Rescue Vehicle
Stuck Motorist China Hat Rd. MP 32 (Photo) - 03/04/24

Released by: Lieutenant Ty Rupert

Released Date: 03/04/2024

Location: China Hat / Milepost 32

Persons Assisted:

28 year old female, Redmond, OR 

22 year old female, Redmond, OR 

6 year old male, Redmond, OR 

4 year old female, Redmond, OR 

3-Dogs

 

On 03/03/2024 at approximately 1615 hours, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office received a report of a family who got their vehicle (2007 Dodge Ram truck) stuck in 3 feet of snow on China Hat Road, near China Hat Butte (milepost 32) southeast of Bend.   

The reporting party, who did not know the stranded motorists had attempted to assist the family though they were unable to get the vehicle un-stuck (no shovels, tow straps, or recovery gear). There were 2-adult females, 2-children (ages 4 and 6) as well as three dogs in the stuck vehicle.

The temperature at the location was approximately 18-degrees, and snowing.  The stranded family had no cell service, no food or water with them. The location of the stranded motorist was not exactly known by the reporting party. 

A Special Services Deputy attempted to call and send the stranded family text messages (please remain with your vehicle, stay warm, we are on the way), though these contact attempts were unsuccessful.  A cell phone location ping was conducted though it did not provide assistance in this case. 

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue was activated.  Two SAR teams, consisting of 3-SAR volunteers, and 1-Deptuy responded to the China Hat location with a Tracked Rescue Vehicle (TRV photo attached) and a tracked Polaris Ranger.

The SAR team deployed in the tracked vehicles on China Hat Rd. near milepost 24. At approximately 1907 hours, the SAR volunteers reported that they had located the stranded family which included 2-adults, 2-children, and 3-dogs inside their stuck vehicle. The family was cold, but reported to be healthy, and uninjured.  The family and pets were provided with food and water and then loaded into the heated Tracked Rescue Vehicle (TRV) where they were transported to an awaiting transport vehicle near milepost 24 on China Hat Rd. The family, and pets were then provided with a courtesy transport to their residence in Redmond.  

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 191 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Attached Media Files: Tracked Rescue Vehicle
Home Intruder Arrested in Deschutes River Woods Neighborhood - 03/03/24

Released by: Sergeant Chris Barringer

 

Release Date: March 3, 2024

Location: 60100 Block of Agate Rd. in Bend, OR

Arrested: Nicholas Kendle, 46 year old male, Bend, OR 

Charges: 

Burglary in the First Degree – 1 count

Attempted Burglary in the First Degree – 3 counts

Attempted Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle – 2 counts

Criminal Trespass in the First Degree – 1 count

Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree – 5 counts

 

NARRATIVE:

 

On March 3, 2024 at approximately 12:14am, Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a home intruder in the 60100 block of Agate Road. 

The reporting person told Deschutes County 911 that an unknown male, later identified as Nichols Kendle, had entered his home while holding a sheathed knife in his hand.  The homeowner was able to get the male to leave his residence.  He had since lost visual contact with the male, but he provided a detailed description of the intruder to law enforcement.

Law enforcement personnel from DCSO, Bend Police Department, and the Oregon State Police responded to the area and set a perimeter to contain the subject.  Additionally, an immediate action team was developed to apprehend the subject when located.  Deschutes County 911 sent a message via the emergency phone network informing residents of an armed subject in the neighborhood, and advised them to shelter in place and call 911 with any reports of suspicious activity.

Shortly after the alert was sent, Deschutes County 911 began receiving calls reporting the subject was seen walking through yards in the neighborhood. One armed homeowner challenged the male through her front door and provided Deschutes County 911 with an updated location.

Law enforcement personnel responded to the location and took the male into custody without further incident.  Nicholas Kendle was arrested on the above-mentioned charges and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.  This is an ongoing investigation, and additional charges are possible. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Bend PD and the Oregon State Police for their assistance in this matter. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##