Small Plane Crashes North Of Sisters Eagle Airport — All Occupants Survive With Minor Injuries (Photo) -07/13/25

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Seeking Help Locating Missing 13-Year-Old Girl -07/11/25

***Update: 11:57PM***

Stella has been located and is safe. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the community for their prompt assistance in bringing Stella home safe.

***Original Release***

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a missing 13-year-old female, Stella McKay, and asking for the public’s help in locating her.

Stella was last seen at her residence near the Tetherow Butte area in Northwest Redmond. She is unfamiliar with the area and may be disoriented or lost.

Description:

• Name: Stella McKay

• Age: 13

• Height: 5 feet

• Weight: 85 lbs

• Hair: Blonde

• Eyes: Brown

A recent photo of Stella is included with this release to assist in identification.

Anyone with information regarding Stella’s whereabouts is urged to call non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911 immediately. If you believe you may have seen her, call the authorities immediately.

We thank the community for remaining alert and helping us bring Stella home safely.

Spring River Road Fire Activity (Photo) -07/07/25

***Gina Fire Update #3***

Fire crews continue making progress to contain the Gina Fire off Spring River Road south of Sunriver. The Evacuation Level 1 has been dropped. There is no more danger of the fire spreading at this point or threatening additional homes or structures.

***Update #2: 6:40pm***

The Level 2 Evacuation for the area of Spring River Road and Besson Road south of Sunriver has been reduced to a Level 1 Evacuation: Be Ready.

***UPDATE:  6:25PM***

Crews from the Forest Service, Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch, LaPine Fire, and Sunriver Fire are working together and have made good containment on the fire in the area of Spring River Road south of Sunriver, now called Incident 487. The LEVEL 2 Evacuation remains in effect.

It’s been determined that a house fire began spreading to nearby forest land. Nobody has been injured in the fire. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputies on the scene say everyone in the area is currently safe. We’ll continue providing updates as fire crews make progress and additional information becomes available.   

Due to fire activity South of Sunriver in the area of Spring River Road, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has issued the following evacuation notices:

Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:

Gena Lane, Lisa Lane, and all roads off Besson Road and Cooper Drive and North of Spring River Road.

A temporary Evacuation Point is being established at Three Rivers Elementary School located at 56900 Enterprise Drive in Sunriver.

Level 2: Means “BE SET” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. This may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date information. Current maps, including evacuation areas, can be found at: https://deschutes.org/emergency

For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at: www.centraloregonfire.org

Make sure you are registered for Deschutes Alerts to receive evacuation and emergency alert and warnings in your area by going to www.deschutesalerts.org

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 Kent van der Kamp, 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.

Play Safe, Stay Safe: Wildfire And Water Reminders From The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (Photo) -07/02/25

As Central Oregonians prepare to enjoy the 4th of July holiday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is reminding residents and visitors to keep safety top of mind—especially when it comes to wildfire prevention and water recreation.

“The 4th of July is a great time to get outside with family and friends, but it’s also a time to be extra cautious,” said Lieutenant Nathan Garibay, who oversees Emergency Services at DCSO. “A single spark can lead to a devastating wildfire, and being unprepared on the water can quickly become dangerous.”

Wildfire Prevention Tips

Dry conditions and hot temperatures make our region especially vulnerable to wildfires. DCSO urges everyone to:

• Know before you go – Check local fire restrictions and know whether campfires are allowed where you plan to camp.
• Keep fires small and attended – Never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish it with water, stirring until it’s cold to the touch.
• Use fireworks responsibly – Fireworks are banned on all federal lands and strongly discouraged in wildfire-prone areas. If you choose to use fireworks, keep them away from dry grass or brush, and always have a bucket of water or hose nearby to put them out safely.

Water Safety & Marine Patrol

The Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol will be actively patrolling lakes and rivers throughout the weekend, checking boats and personal watercraft to ensure everyone is following the law and staying safe.

“One of the most important things people forget—especially on paddle boards and kayaks—is the requirement to have a life jacket,” Garibay said. “It’s best practice even for strong, experienced swimmers, so it’s always good to be prepared.”

Water safety tips include:

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – Especially on paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes.
• Have a whistle or other sound device on board – This is required by law for most small watercraft.
• Never operate watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Understand when and how to use a leash when paddleboarding.

Have Fun, But Be Prepared

DCSO wants everyone to have a fun and memorable 4th of July, whether you’re watching fireworks, camping in the forest, or spending time on the water. Just remember to keep safety in the back of your mind and help protect yourself, your family, and our beautiful public lands.

For more information on wildfire restrictions and boating safety laws, visit:

• Oregon State Marine Board
• Central Oregon Fire Info

Stay safe and enjoy the holiday weekend!

La Pine Area Fire (Photo) -06/26/25

** UPDATE 8:15pm **  
 
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is dropping the prior LEVEL 1 evacuation notice in the area of Darlene Rd south of Rosland Rd (La Pine). Since the last update, firefighters have continued to make progress, and the LEVEL 1 evacuation notice has been dropped in consultation with fire managers.

We will provide additional updates on the status of the fire as information becomes available. 

Released by: Lt. Nathan Garibay 

Due to fire activity in the area of Darlene Rd south of Rosland Rd (La Pine area), the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has issued the following evacuation notices: 

Level 1 (Be Ready): Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas: 

Areas north and east of the City of La Pine, including Newberry Estates and public lands north of Reed Rd, south of Rosland Rd, east of Hwy 97 to the transmission lines.

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system. 

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date information. 

Current maps including evacuation areas can be found at: https://deschutes.org/emergency  

For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at: www.centraloregonfire.org 

Make sure you are registered for Deschutes Alerts to receive evacuation and emergency alert and warnings in your area by going to www.deschutesalerts.org  

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 Kent van der Kamp, 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. 

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Animal Control Investigates Cat Neglect And Livestock Concerns In Terrebonne -06/20/25

Terrebonne, OR – On May 26, 2025, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office conducted an inspection at a residence in the 5000 block of 10th Street, Terrebonne, following reports of livestock at large, and animal welfare concerns involving dogs, cats, and chickens owned by Linda Evans of Terrebonne.  Evans is currently on probation from a 2023 animal neglect case involving over 70 pigs and 16 goats, in which she was found guilty of neglect and was on a 5-year bench probation.

During the inspection, 29 cows, more than 60 domestic fowl, 18 dogs, and 17 cats were evaluated by Sheriff’s Office deputies alongside a licensed veterinarian. The cats were found to be in a severe state of neglect, with several requiring immediate medical attention. Brightside Animal Shelter staff were called in to assist with the removal of 18 dogs and 8 cats identified as being in the worst condition. Evans cooperated with deputies and voluntarily relinquished ownership of the animals.

In the days that followed, deputies and animal control officers continued working with Mrs. Evans to remove the remaining cats. In total, 18 dogs and 17 cats were transported to Brightside, where they began receiving necessary veterinary care.  Evans is cooperating with the authorities on relinquishing ownership of the cows and chickens.

On June 11, 2025, Linda Evans was cited in lieu of arrest for 17 counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree (ORS 167.325) and 1 count of Unlawful Tethering (ORS 167.343). The case has been forwarded to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for review.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the staff at Brightside Animal Shelter for their dedicated support and assistance in this case. Anyone who wishes to help can contact Brightside Animal Shelter directly.

Animal neglect is taken seriously in Deschutes County. Community members are encouraged to report concerns about animal welfare to the Sheriff’s Office.

Alder Springs Evacuation Levels Update For Deschutes County Areas -06/19/25

Detectives Located Over 100 Carcasses Of Snakes, Lizards, Tortoises, And Tarantulas Within An Abandoned House -06/19/25

Released by: Deschutes County Detectives Division

Release Date: June 19, 2025

Location: 63000 Block of Dickey Road, Bend, OR     

Arrested: William Griffiths (68-year-old male)

Charges: Animal Neglect in the First Degree (25 Counts)

NARRATIVE:

On 6/19/25 at 12:00 p.m., Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested William Griffiths in Bend.  Griffiths had an active warrant for his arrest after a Deschutes County grand jury returned an indictment on 6/13/25 charging him with 25 counts of Animal Neglect in the First Degree. 

The indictment stemmed from an investigation that began last October south of La Pine.  On 10/6/24, a Patrol Deputy with Deschutes County was dispatched to a welfare check in the 50000 block of Deer St. south of La Pine.  The caller reported to the Deputy that she had arrived at the house in question to retrieve property that originally came from a private business in Bend where Griffiths used to work, and she believed the property was most likely still at the house.  She said when she went to the house, she discovered what she believed to be several dead reptiles in and around the house, and the house appeared to be abandoned.

The Patrol Deputy and an Animal Control Officer responded to the address and conducted a welfare check inside the residence to determine if there were any people or animals that were in need of medical care.  No humans were discovered, but they discovered over 100 dead and rotting animal carcasses inside the house, including the carcasses of snakes, lizards, and turtles.  There were also carcasses of rodents and tarantulas within the house.  No live animals were located.

Oregon Revised Statutes specifically include reptiles in its definitions of animals as applied to animal neglect statutes.

Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence.  They applied for and were granted a search warrant, which was executed the same day to search the residence for evidence of criminal activity. 

A Detective later located and interviewed the owner of the house and animals, William Griffiths.  During the interview, the Detective developed probable cause for the crimes of Animal Neglect in the First Degree listed in the indictment. 

Griffiths was located in a trailer in the 63000 block of Dickey Road east of Bend.  He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the warrant for his arrest.    

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, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

Alder Springs Fire Prompts Level 1 Evacuations In The Area Of Holmes Road/Lower Bridge (Photo) -06/16/25