Date: March 15, 2023

Case #: 2023-00014825

Incident: Bend woman arrested for stealing car, driving under the influence

Date / Time of incident: March 14, 2023 / 11:03 p.m. 

Victim: 31-year-old Terrebonne resident

Arrested: Maritza Ivy Gomez, 34-year-old Bend resident

Charges: DUII – drugs, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Controlled Substance – methamphetamine (violation)

At approximately 11:03 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, Bend Police were dispatched to a report of a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of Burger King North in the 3000 block of North Highway 97. 

Officers who arrived interviewed multiple witnesses who had seen a woman acting erratically in the area of Chevron and Burger King in the moments before the vehicle was taken. One of the witnesses had taken a video of the suspect. The vehicle’s owner had been warming up the purple 2008 Hyundai Elantra. The car was unlocked and keys were in the ignition. 

Officers recognized the suspect, 34-year-old Maritza Ivy Gomez, as having been trespassed earlier in the night from Best Western in the 20000 block of Grandview Drive. Officers located the vehicle and Gomez in the parking lot of the Best Western. The vehicle was released to the victim at the scene. 

Gomez was arrested for DUII – drugs and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. She was also cited for a violation for possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. She was lodged at the Deschutes County Jail. 

The Bend Police Department would like to remind members of our community to never leave a car running and unattended. Remember when you park your vehicle to HIDE your belongings, LOCK your vehicle and TAKE your keys with you.