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News Release

Man Arrested After Pulling A Gun In March Dispute - 04/16/26

Date: April 16, 2026 

Case #: 2026-00011980 

Incident: Man arrested after pulling a gun in March dispute  

Date / Time of Incident: April 16, 2026 / 8:54 a.m. 

Location: NE Butler Market Road and Florence Drive, Bend  

Arrested: Kenneth Noe Gonzalez, 25-year-old Bend resident 

Offenses: Menacing, Assault III 

 

Bend Police and the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team on Thursday arrested a 25-year-old Bend man involved in a March 7 dispute at Cassity’s Bar in SW Bend.  

 

At approximately 2 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, Bend Police responded to a report of a physical fight involving multiple bar patrons in the parking lot of Cassity’s Bar at 25 SW Century Drive. During the altercation, one of the participants took out a handgun and pressed it to the victim’s chest for several seconds before leaving the scene.  

 

Over the course of the investigation, officers identified 25-year-old Kenneth Noe Gonzalez as the suspect in the case.  

 

At approximately 8:54 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, Bend Police and Central Oregon Emergency Response Team members conducted a traffic stop on a silver Subaru Legacy at the corner of Butler Market Road and Florence Drive in NE Bend. Gonzalez was driving the vehicle, and was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of menacing and third-degree assault. 

 

CERT and patrol officers executed three search warrants related to this incident – one on Gonzalez’s home in the 63100 block of Deschutes Market Road, and two on his vehicles.  

Man Arrested After Pulling A Gun In March Dispute - 04/16/26

Date: April 16, 2026 

Case #: 2026-00011980 

Incident: Man arrested after pulling a gun in March dispute  

Date / Time of Incident: April 16, 2026 / 8:54 a.m. 

Location: NE Butler Market Road and Florence Drive, Bend  

Arrested: Kenneth Noe Gonzalez, 25-year-old Bend resident 

Offenses: Menacing, Assault III 

 

Bend Police and the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team on Thursday arrested a 25-year-old Bend man involved in a March 7 dispute at Cassity’s Bar in SW Bend.  

 

At approximately 2 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, Bend Police responded to a report of a physical fight involving multiple bar patrons in the parking lot of Cassity’s Bar at 25 SW Century Drive. During the altercation, one of the participants took out a handgun and pressed it to the victim’s chest for several seconds before leaving the scene.  

 

Over the course of the investigation, officers identified 25-year-old Kenneth Noe Gonzalez as the suspect in the case.  

 

At approximately 8:54 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, Bend Police and Central Oregon Emergency Response Team members conducted a traffic stop on a silver Subaru Legacy at the corner of Butler Market Road and Florence Drive in NE Bend. Gonzalez was driving the vehicle, and was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of menacing and third-degree assault. 

 

CERT and patrol officers executed three search warrants related to this incident – one on Gonzalez’s home in the 63100 block of Deschutes Market Road, and two on his vehicles.  

Bend Police Arrest Multiple People During Four-month Human Trafficking Project (Photo) - 04/16/26

Date: September 8, 2022

Incident: Human trafficking project from May 19 through August 23 results in multiple arrests

Arrested: 

  • Mathieu Ackah, 46-year-old Oxnard, Calif., resident: luring a minor for sexual conduct
  • Christopher Arroway, 30-year-old Bend resident: purchasing sex with a minor, patronizing a prostitute, attempted rape III (arrest #2)
  • Gage Bergeron, 31-year-old Bend resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, attempted rape III, delivery of a controlled substance to a minor (marijuana)
  • David Burnham, 73-year-old Bend resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted rape III
  • Forrest Dodge, 28-year-old Bend resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, attempted sodomy III, purchasing sex with a minor
  • Cody Fortune, 32-year-old Bend resident: luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, attempted rape III
  • Ryan Frye, 23-year-old Bend resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, purchasing sex with a minor
  • Rene Hernandez, 28-year-old Bend resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, attempted sodomy III, purchasing sex with a minor, parole violation, endangering the welfare of a minor
  • Joshua Huddleston, 45-year-old Bend resident: attempted rape III, attempted delivery of a controlled substance to a minor (marijuana)
  • James Kapsalis, 26-year-old Redmond resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, attempted rape III, delivery of marijuana to a minor
  • Miles Leffler, 40-year-old Sisters resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, purchasing sex with a minor
  • Devin Linker, 34-year-old Redmond resident: luring a minor for sexual conduct, online sexual corruption of a child I, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted rape III, patronizing a prostitute
  • Ian McCord, 38-year-old Prineville resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, attempted sodomy III, attempted rape III
  • Jorge Beltran Mendoza, 29-year-old Redmond resident: luring a minor for sexual conduct, online sexual corruption of a child I, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted sodomy III, patronizing a prostitute
  • Waynerd Montgomery, 47-year-old Redmond resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted rape III, escape III, criminal mischief III, resisting arrest
  • Jacob Schneider, 36-year-old Bend resident: luring a minor for sexual conduct, online sexual corruption of a child I, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted rape III, patronizing a prostitute
  • Connor Strupith, 22-year-old Redmond resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, attempted furnishing liquor to a minor
  • XXXXXXXXXXX, 41-year-old Bend resident: purchasing sex with a minor, patronizing a prostitute, attempted rape III
  • Eduardo Vega-Ruiz, 22-year-old Madras resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, patronizing a prostitute, attempted sodomy III, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted rape III, escape III, attempt to elude (felony), attempted assault on a public safety officer, reckless driving
  • Dylan Zook, 20-year-old La Pine resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, attempted sodomy III, purchasing sex with a minor

Over several months, Bend Police conducted a project dedicated to combating human trafficking, sex work and luring of minors, with an emphasis on identifying and arresting people who are attempting to meet underage children for sex. Over the course of this project, 20 adults were arrested for various crimes associated with attempting to lure and engage in sexual acts with minors.

Bend Police officers posted ads online, then posed as minors in both text and phone conversations. Over the course of the project, people at more than 200 distinct phone numbers answered officers’ ads. Many of those people, upon learning they were apparently communicating with a minor, immediately cut off communication. However, of the 200-plus people who answered Bend Police’s online ads and learned of a minor child being trafficked for sex, not one subsequently shared that information with law enforcement.

Police clearly identified themselves as underage. Those arrested then agreed to meet, sometimes bringing drugs and alcohol to the agreed-upon location. Upon arrival, they were taken into custody on the above charges and lodged at the Deschutes County Jail.

During the course of the project, multiple people came forward and identified themselves as victims of sexual abuse at the hands of these suspects. Bend Police are asking the public to contact nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 if you or someone you know is the victim of any of these suspects.

Bend Police want our community to know we are proactively investigating these crimes. We will continue to conduct projects like this in the future. This outreach will also let potential predators know our community is vigilant. Our goal is to identify traffickers and prevent this activity from taking place in our community. During the operation, Bend Police saw a significant decrease for demand in sex work in our community, and by extension, a decrease in sex workers operating in our community.

Bend Police would also like to remind parents, guardians and caregivers to stay involved in their children’s digital world, know the apps they are using and implement parental controls when possible. Children should talk with a trusted adult so they understand online risks, only chat with people they know, and make sure their online accounts are private. There are people who target vulnerable youth via online apps and other internet sources, and we have to work together to keep our children safe. 

During the course of this investigation, Bend Police also arrested eight people who attempted to patronize adult sex workers. They were cited and released. Patronizing a prostitute is a Class A misdemeanor. 

  • Benjamin Adams, 43-year-old Las Vegas, Nev., resident: patronizing a prostitute
  • Christopher Arroway, 30-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute (arrest #1) 
  • Dennis Dewitt, 71-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute 
  • Zachary Douglas, 33-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute 
  • Caleb Gump, 24-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute 
  • Thomas Myers, 38-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute 
  • Tenzin Norbu Sherpa, 37-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute
  • Casey Vitale, 36-year-old Lebanon resident: patronizing a prostitute

Attached Media Files: Press Release,

Bend Police Arrest Multiple People During Four-month Human Trafficking Project (Photo) - 04/16/26

Date: September 8, 2022

Incident: Human trafficking project from May 19 through August 23 results in multiple arrests

Arrested: 

  • Mathieu Ackah, 46-year-old Oxnard, Calif., resident: luring a minor for sexual conduct
  • Christopher Arroway, 30-year-old Bend resident: purchasing sex with a minor, patronizing a prostitute, attempted rape III (arrest #2)
  • Gage Bergeron, 31-year-old Bend resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, attempted rape III, delivery of a controlled substance to a minor (marijuana)
  • David Burnham, 73-year-old Bend resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted rape III
  • Forrest Dodge, 28-year-old Bend resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, attempted sodomy III, purchasing sex with a minor
  • Cody Fortune, 32-year-old Bend resident: luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, attempted rape III
  • Ryan Frye, 23-year-old Bend resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, purchasing sex with a minor
  • Rene Hernandez, 28-year-old Bend resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, attempted sodomy III, purchasing sex with a minor, parole violation, endangering the welfare of a minor
  • Joshua Huddleston, 45-year-old Bend resident: attempted rape III, attempted delivery of a controlled substance to a minor (marijuana)
  • James Kapsalis, 26-year-old Redmond resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, attempted rape III, delivery of marijuana to a minor
  • Miles Leffler, 40-year-old Sisters resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, purchasing sex with a minor
  • Devin Linker, 34-year-old Redmond resident: luring a minor for sexual conduct, online sexual corruption of a child I, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted rape III, patronizing a prostitute
  • Ian McCord, 38-year-old Prineville resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, attempted sodomy III, attempted rape III
  • Jorge Beltran Mendoza, 29-year-old Redmond resident: luring a minor for sexual conduct, online sexual corruption of a child I, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted sodomy III, patronizing a prostitute
  • Waynerd Montgomery, 47-year-old Redmond resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted rape III, escape III, criminal mischief III, resisting arrest
  • Jacob Schneider, 36-year-old Bend resident: luring a minor for sexual conduct, online sexual corruption of a child I, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted rape III, patronizing a prostitute
  • Connor Strupith, 22-year-old Redmond resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, attempted furnishing liquor to a minor
  • XXXXXXXXXXX, 41-year-old Bend resident: purchasing sex with a minor, patronizing a prostitute, attempted rape III
  • Eduardo Vega-Ruiz, 22-year-old Madras resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, patronizing a prostitute, attempted sodomy III, purchasing sex with a minor, attempted rape III, escape III, attempt to elude (felony), attempted assault on a public safety officer, reckless driving
  • Dylan Zook, 20-year-old La Pine resident: online sexual corruption of a child I, luring a minor for sexual conduct, patronizing a prostitute, attempted sodomy III, purchasing sex with a minor

Over several months, Bend Police conducted a project dedicated to combating human trafficking, sex work and luring of minors, with an emphasis on identifying and arresting people who are attempting to meet underage children for sex. Over the course of this project, 20 adults were arrested for various crimes associated with attempting to lure and engage in sexual acts with minors.

Bend Police officers posted ads online, then posed as minors in both text and phone conversations. Over the course of the project, people at more than 200 distinct phone numbers answered officers’ ads. Many of those people, upon learning they were apparently communicating with a minor, immediately cut off communication. However, of the 200-plus people who answered Bend Police’s online ads and learned of a minor child being trafficked for sex, not one subsequently shared that information with law enforcement.

Police clearly identified themselves as underage. Those arrested then agreed to meet, sometimes bringing drugs and alcohol to the agreed-upon location. Upon arrival, they were taken into custody on the above charges and lodged at the Deschutes County Jail.

During the course of the project, multiple people came forward and identified themselves as victims of sexual abuse at the hands of these suspects. Bend Police are asking the public to contact nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 if you or someone you know is the victim of any of these suspects.

Bend Police want our community to know we are proactively investigating these crimes. We will continue to conduct projects like this in the future. This outreach will also let potential predators know our community is vigilant. Our goal is to identify traffickers and prevent this activity from taking place in our community. During the operation, Bend Police saw a significant decrease for demand in sex work in our community, and by extension, a decrease in sex workers operating in our community.

Bend Police would also like to remind parents, guardians and caregivers to stay involved in their children’s digital world, know the apps they are using and implement parental controls when possible. Children should talk with a trusted adult so they understand online risks, only chat with people they know, and make sure their online accounts are private. There are people who target vulnerable youth via online apps and other internet sources, and we have to work together to keep our children safe. 

During the course of this investigation, Bend Police also arrested eight people who attempted to patronize adult sex workers. They were cited and released. Patronizing a prostitute is a Class A misdemeanor. 

  • Benjamin Adams, 43-year-old Las Vegas, Nev., resident: patronizing a prostitute
  • Christopher Arroway, 30-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute (arrest #1) 
  • Dennis Dewitt, 71-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute 
  • Zachary Douglas, 33-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute 
  • Caleb Gump, 24-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute 
  • Thomas Myers, 38-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute 
  • Tenzin Norbu Sherpa, 37-year-old Bend resident: patronizing a prostitute
  • Casey Vitale, 36-year-old Lebanon resident: patronizing a prostitute

Attached Media Files: Press Release,

Bend Police Begin Issuing Automated Traffic Enforcement Warnings - 04/15/26

Bend Police begin issuing Automated Traffic Enforcement warnings
 

Beginning today, the City of Bend and the Bend Police Department will issue warnings to drivers who speed or run red lights at three intersections around the City.
 

The 30-day warning period is the first step in the implementation of the Automated Traffic Enforcement program, which is designed to cut down on motor vehicle crashes and increase traffic safety for all road users in our community.
 

Cameras in three locations, which were chosen for a high number of crashes and community complaints, are now live:
 

  • SE Reed Market Road & Third Street (westbound)

  • NE Neff Road & 27th Street (southbound & westbound)

  • U.S. Business 97 & Powers Road (northbound)


As of today, the cameras will begin capturing images and video of vehicles that do not stop for a red light (including a complete stop before a right turn) or that speed through the intersection. Warnings will be issued through the mail to drivers who run red lights or speed through these intersections. Beginning May 15, citations will be issued.


Signs to alert drivers to the automated traffic enforcement cameras are mounted near each intersection, as well as on major routes as drivers enter city limits.


We know you have questions about the program. To learn more about the Bend Police Department’s Automated Traffic Enforcement, go to https://bendoregon.gov/departments/public-safety/police/traffic-parking/automated-traffic-enforcement-program/.

Bend Police Begin Issuing Automated Traffic Enforcement Warnings - 04/15/26

Bend Police begin issuing Automated Traffic Enforcement warnings
 

Beginning today, the City of Bend and the Bend Police Department will issue warnings to drivers who speed or run red lights at three intersections around the City.
 

The 30-day warning period is the first step in the implementation of the Automated Traffic Enforcement program, which is designed to cut down on motor vehicle crashes and increase traffic safety for all road users in our community.
 

Cameras in three locations, which were chosen for a high number of crashes and community complaints, are now live:
 

  • SE Reed Market Road & Third Street (westbound)

  • NE Neff Road & 27th Street (southbound & westbound)

  • U.S. Business 97 & Powers Road (northbound)


As of today, the cameras will begin capturing images and video of vehicles that do not stop for a red light (including a complete stop before a right turn) or that speed through the intersection. Warnings will be issued through the mail to drivers who run red lights or speed through these intersections. Beginning May 15, citations will be issued.


Signs to alert drivers to the automated traffic enforcement cameras are mounted near each intersection, as well as on major routes as drivers enter city limits.


We know you have questions about the program. To learn more about the Bend Police Department’s Automated Traffic Enforcement, go to https://bendoregon.gov/departments/public-safety/police/traffic-parking/automated-traffic-enforcement-program/.

Bend-La Pine Schools Bus Driver Arrested For DUII, Reckless Endangering - 04/07/26

Date: April 7, 2026 

Case #: 2026-00017237

Incident: Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver arrested for DUII, reckless endangering

Date of Incident: April 3, 2026 

Arrested: Martha Ann Gerlicher, 67-year-old Bend resident 

Offenses: DUII, Reckless Endangering 

 

At approximately 6:45 p.m. on Friday, April 3, Bend Police received a call for service from a Bend-La Pine Schools transportation employee, who reported that a bus driver had been under the influence of alcohol while driving a school bus. 

 

According to the transportation employee, the driver, 67-year-old Martha Ann Gerlicher, called in to the transportation office to report the brakes on her bus weren’t working. Gerlicher had completed a bus route for Pine Ridge Elementary School and was at High Desert Middle School to begin another route. When the transportation employee arrived at High Desert Middle School at approximately 3:15 p.m., she found the bus had no mechanical issues but believed Gerlicher was intoxicated. The employee removed Gerlicher from the bus and took her to a private testing facility for breath samples, which tested positive for high levels of alcohol. 

 

At approximately 6:45 p.m., the school district contacted nonemergency dispatch to report the incident. Officers responded to Gerlicher’s home, where she was taken into custody. 

 

Gerlicher was transported to the Bend Police Department, and at 11 p.m., approximately seven hours after the tests at the private facility, Gerlicher registered a 0.16 percent BAC. She was transported to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of DUII and reckless endangering. 

Bend-La Pine Schools Bus Driver Arrested For DUII, Reckless Endangering - 04/07/26

Date: April 7, 2026 

Case #: 2026-00017237

Incident: Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver arrested for DUII, reckless endangering

Date of Incident: April 3, 2026 

Arrested: Martha Ann Gerlicher, 67-year-old Bend resident 

Offenses: DUII, Reckless Endangering 

 

At approximately 6:45 p.m. on Friday, April 3, Bend Police received a call for service from a Bend-La Pine Schools transportation employee, who reported that a bus driver had been under the influence of alcohol while driving a school bus. 

 

According to the transportation employee, the driver, 67-year-old Martha Ann Gerlicher, called in to the transportation office to report the brakes on her bus weren’t working. Gerlicher had completed a bus route for Pine Ridge Elementary School and was at High Desert Middle School to begin another route. When the transportation employee arrived at High Desert Middle School at approximately 3:15 p.m., she found the bus had no mechanical issues but believed Gerlicher was intoxicated. The employee removed Gerlicher from the bus and took her to a private testing facility for breath samples, which tested positive for high levels of alcohol. 

 

At approximately 6:45 p.m., the school district contacted nonemergency dispatch to report the incident. Officers responded to Gerlicher’s home, where she was taken into custody. 

 

Gerlicher was transported to the Bend Police Department, and at 11 p.m., approximately seven hours after the tests at the private facility, Gerlicher registered a 0.16 percent BAC. She was transported to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of DUII and reckless endangering.