The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Team Recognized With Statewide Award For Innovation And Collaboration (Photo) - 10/14/26

Bend, Oregon — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Team was honored recently at the annual Oregon Emergency Management Association conference for its leadership in developing innovative and collaborative programs that strengthen emergency support for residents with access and functional needs.

Emergency Management staff members Ben Duda and Ashley Volz accepted the Oregon Emergency Management Association Innovation, Collaboration and Service Award on behalf of the Emergency Management Unit and its partner agencies. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to emergency management and to Oregon communities, especially those that have been underrepresented or underserved.

“Our Emergency Management team of Ben Duda, Ashley Volz, and Rachelle Brookins works tirelessly whenever an emergency requires public notification and support. Their efforts are often unseen, but they are committed year-round to ensuring timely information and assistance during challenging situations. I am very proud of their professionalism and dedication,” explained Special Services Lt. Nathan Garibay.

In partnership with County Health Services, Information Technology and Geographic Information Systems, 911, Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon State Fire Marshal, and other local and state agencies, the Emergency Management Team created an innovative program designed to better identify, notify, and support community members with access and functional needs during emergencies.

The program has been proven effective during recent wildfire evacuations and can be adapted for severe weather and other disaster situations. It brings together public outreach, voluntary alert system registration, annual data verification, real-time mapping, a virtual call center, and coordinated welfare checks for residents who need additional assistance. This comprehensive approach ensures that vulnerable residents are contacted quickly and consistently during emergencies.

“This initiative is truly an all-hands effort,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert. “By working closely with our partners, we are helping ensure that every community member, especially those who may face additional barriers during disasters, receives timely information and support. We are also committed to sharing this model with other jurisdictions to improve inclusive emergency preparedness throughout Oregon.”

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Proudly Introduces The Newest Patrol Team Duo: Deputy Marshall Dean And K9 Creed (Photo) - 10/07/26

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is excited to announce its newest K9 team, Deputy Marshall Dean and his partner K9 Creed.

K9 Creed is a two-year-old Belgian Malinois. This breed is known for its incredible drive and focus and is often chosen for demanding law enforcement assignments. Creed comes to DCSO after completing advanced training overseas and additional development at Tarheel Canine Training in South Carolina. Deputy Dean began his law enforcement career in 2017 with Benton County and has served on the DCSO Patrol Unit for the past three years.

Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert says K9 Creed joining the team was made possible by a $20,000 donation from Gary and Dixie Baker of Sisters.

“We are pleased to see Deputy Dean take on this new assignment with K9 Creed, and we are grateful for the donation that made it possible to expand our K9 team this year,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert. “Our long‑term goal is to have a K9 unit on every patrol team, because dogs serve as effective de-escalation tools and an added layer of protection that keeps our deputies safe on every call.”

Creed is a dual-purpose K9 trained in detection and apprehension, allowing him to locate specific types of contraband and assist deputies in safely apprehending fleeing or dangerous suspects. This combination of skills is an important part of keeping both our community and our deputies safe.

Much like his cinematic namesake, who never shied away from a tough bout, K9 Creed proved he’s ready for the big leagues during a call on Saturday, October 3. After a driver fled a traffic stop and hid inside a home in Deschutes River Woods, Deputy Dean deployed K9 Creed, who zeroed in on the suspect’s hiding spot under mattresses. Thanks to Creed’s quick work, deputies safely took the suspect into custody without further incident.

After being paired together this summer, Deputy Dean and K9 Creed completed additional training through the Oregon Police K9 Association. They are now fully certified and ready to begin serving the residents of Deschutes County.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Gary and Dixie for their generosity and continued support of our office. K9 Creed would not be here today without their donation.

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Arrest Man For Theft And Property Damage At Alfalfa Market Store One Day After Harassing A Deputy's Family At Their Home (Photo) - 10/06/26

Alfalfa, Ore. – On Tuesday, October 6, at 8:40 a.m., Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported theft and disturbance at the Alfalfa Market Store east of Bend on Willard Road. 65‑year‑old William Joseph Demmon was arrested after stealing items and damaging property with his vehicle, one day after trespassing at the home of a local deputy and threatening his family. 

Store workers reported that Demmon, with no known address, was taking items without paying. Demmon walked outside with the items, confronted customers, and then got into his vehicle. As he attempted to drive away, he struck and damaged the store’s awning, flower boxes, and surrounding landscaping.

Deputies arrived and immediately contacted Demmon. He resisted arrest but was safely taken into custody. Demmon was transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail and lodged on the following charges:

• Attempted Assault on a Peace Officer
• Trespass in the 1st Degree
• Theft in the 3rd Degree
• Reckless Endangering
• Disorderly Conduct in the 2nd Degree
• Resisting Arrest
• Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree

It was later determined that Demmon was driving a vehicle without insurance, and the vehicle was impounded.

This marks the latest in a series of incidents involving Demmon. DCSO has responded to 11 calls for service involving him over the past two weeks. On September 27, deputies responded to Grace Bible Church in Bend, where staff requested that Demmon be trespassed from the property. Demmon left but returned approximately 30 minutes later and was arrested for trespassing.

In a separate incident on October 5, Demmon drove to the residence of a local deputy while the deputy was on duty and verbally harassed and threatened a member of the deputy’s family. Demmon made statements referencing weapons. Deputies from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office later contacted Demmon and issued a trespass order from the residence. During that contact, Demmon also stated that he knew the address of another local law enforcement officer. Partner agencies were notified.

The Sheriff’s Office takes any behavior that targets law enforcement families or personnel seriously and continues to coordinate with partner agencies to ensure the safety of the community and local law enforcement officers.

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Sister’s Man Accused Of Forced Entry Into An Apartment And Assaulting A Woman And Juveniles - 10/05/26

Sisters, Ore. -- On Sunday, October 4, at 10:01 p.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a disturbance at an apartment on North Woodson Street in Sisters. Dispatchers reported hearing children screaming, and deputies arrived to find that an adult female and two juveniles had suffered injuries.

The investigation revealed that the suspect, 31‑year‑old Royce Shipley of Sisters, had entered the apartment without permission and immediately began assaulting the occupants inside the home, including a woman and two juveniles, before leaving the area. According to deputies, Shipley and the adult female victim knew each other.

Due to information that Shipley may have been armed and was believed to be at his nearby residence, the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) was consulted, and a DCSO K-9 unit was deployed to assist. Deputies established containment around the suspect’s apartment and issued repeated loud‑hailer commands.

After approximately 10 minutes of communication, Shipley came out of his apartment and surrendered without incident. He was taken into custody and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the following charges:

• First‑Degree Burglary
• Strangulation
• Assault in the Fourth Degree
• Harassment
• Menacing
• Interfering with Making a Report

The victims were evaluated by Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District medics and later transported to St. Charles Bend for further medical examination

The Sheriff’s Office credits the rapid response and professionalism of our deputies, consultation with CERT, and the K‑9 Unit for their coordinated de‑escalation efforts that brought the situation to a swift and peaceful conclusion.

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Tip A Cop Returns To Greg’s Grill This Friday To Raise Money For Shop With A Cop And Bring Holiday Cheer To Local Children In Need (Photo) - 09/23/26

Bend, Ore. — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office invites the community to join us at Greg’s Grill this Friday, September 25, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a special Tip‑A‑Cop fundraising event benefiting the annual Shop With A Cop (SWAC) program this Christmas.

Greg’s Grill will donate 20 percent of all food sales to SWAC, and attendees can also contribute by scanning a QR code or giving cash or checks to law enforcement on site. Every December, SWAC pairs deputies and other local law enforcement officers with students selected by schools and nonprofits for a meaningful holiday shopping experience. Children often choose gifts for their families or essentials like clothing, shoes, cookware, bedding, and other necessities. The program has even provided items such as beds and generators to help families stay safe and warm during the winter.

Last year, SWAC brought warmth and holiday cheer to 95 children across Deschutes County. Thanks to generous donors, volunteers, and partners, the program invested $57,000 directly into meeting the real needs of local families. Community fundraising brought in an additional $31,000, allowing DCSO to make the program’s milestone anniversary one of its most impactful yet.

Fundraising for SWAC continues year‑round, and every contribution directly helps DCSO support children and families facing significant challenges related to housing, food security, clothing, and basic necessities. Friday’s Tip‑A‑Cop event offers a special opportunity to connect with local law enforcement while making a meaningful difference in the lives of local youth.

Community members who can’t attend the event on Friday can still make a donation anytime by visiting the Sheriff’s Office website or mailing a check.

• Online:
  Visit: https://sheriff.deschutes.org/community/programs/shop-with-a-cop/
• By Check:
  Payable to: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office – Shop With A Cop
  Mail to: 63333 Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97703
• In Person:
  Drop off your donation at the Sheriff’s Office front desk. Please label it “Shop With A Cop.”

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The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue Assists Injured Mountain Biker In Cline Butte Area Sunday Afternoon (Photo) - 09/21/26

Deschutes County, Ore. -- On Sunday, September 20, at 1:29 p.m., Deschutes County 9-1-1 received a call about an injured mountain biker in the Cline Butte Recreational Area near Barr Road. A Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Deputy reached the 73-year-old male from Bend by phone and determined that Search & Rescue would be needed due to the location and reported injuries.

A team consisting of one Deputy and five SAR Volunteers responded to the patient. After an initial medical check, help was requested from Redmond Fire & Rescue. Because of the rugged terrain, Redmond Fire used its side-by-side UTV to access the area.

AirLink was also launched to assist based on the patient’s condition and concern for serious injuries. The helicopter landed near the scene, and SAR volunteers safely transported the rider on a litter to the aircraft. The patient was then flown to St. Charles-Bend for medical care.

The Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere thanks to the dedicated Search & Rescue volunteers, 911 Dispatch, and Redmond Fire & Rescue for their teamwork and quick response.

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Responds To Early?Morning Crash And Car Fire After Driver Hits Barrier On Highway 97 Near 61st Street (Photo) - 09/21/26

Bend, OR – At 4:21 a.m. on Monday, September 21, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single‑vehicle crash on Highway 97 just south of 61st Street. Deputies say that a 1992 Subaru SVX driven by 18‑year‑old Seoan Padraic Mooney of Powell Butte hit the highway barrier and caught fire, closing all lanes of traffic for nearly an hour.

Witnesses reported seeing Mooney speeding in the southbound lanes before the crash. He was the only person in the vehicle and was able to get out on his own before the fire spread. Bend Fire & Rescue responded and extinguished the flames.

Mooney was arrested on a citation and taken to St. Charles–Bend for treatment of non‑life‑threatening injuries. He faces charges of DUII, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Criminal Mischief 1.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Bend Fire & Rescue, ODOT, and 911 Dispatch for their assistance and response to this crash.

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office To Host Final Shred Event Of The Year This Saturday In Terrebonne (Photo) - 09/16/26

Terrebonne, Ore. — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Republic Services, is reminding residents that the final Community Shred Event of 2026 will take place this Saturday, September 19, at Terrebonne Community School.

Event Information:

• Terrebonne Community School, 1199 B Ave, Terrebonne, Oregon
• 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or until the shred truck is full

This free residential shred service offers Deschutes County community members a safe and secure way to dispose of personal documents. Participants are asked to bring no more than four boxes of documents per household. Paper clips and staples may remain attached to paperwork, but plastic bags and three-ring binders cannot be accepted. Residents with more than four boxes should contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263 to arrange additional disposal options.

In addition to document shredding, the Sheriff’s Office will provide safe medication disposal for prescriptions, patches, ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples, and pet medications. Items such as sharps, thermometers, inhalers, aerosols, and other pressurized containers cannot be accepted.

Community members may also bring worn or tattered American flags for proper retirement. Non-perishable food donations will be collected on-site and provided to a local food bank.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to take advantage of this final opportunity of the year to securely discard sensitive documents, unwanted medications, and worn flags while supporting the Terrebonne community.

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Training Prepares Volunteers To Mentor Children With Incarcerated Parents (Photo) - 09/15/26

Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, is offering a class to prepare volunteers to become mentors for children with an incarcerated parent.

On Saturday, September 26, COPY will offer a Fall orientation/training class. This 3½ -hour class covers program policies, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, and communication skills. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is required.

After initial training and background checks, volunteers are matched with a child that shares similar interests and commits to spending a few hours a week together for a minimum of one year. This time is often spent on outside activities, exploring the community, doing art or craft projects, or simply hanging out and talking.