Deputies With The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Arrest La Pine Man Suspected In Mother’s Homicide - 03/03/26

La Pine, Ore. -- On March 2, 2026, at 2:03 a.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested a La Pine man who reported involvement in the homicide of his mother at their shared residence on Woodstock Drive in La Pine.

Deputies first responded to suspicious circumstances at Gordy’s Truck Stop in La Pine. That’s where deputies contacted 25-year-old Gavaughn Bates, who was determined to be the suspect in the homicide of his mother.

Deputies then responded to the residence and found a deceased female identified as 56-year-old ErmaJean McGillicuddy of La Pine. They also learned that two juveniles were present during the incident and witnessed part of the altercation leading up to the homicide. The juveniles were safely removed from the residence and connected with support services.

Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office are now leading the investigation. 25-year-old Gavaughn Bates of La Pine was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the following charges:

• Murder
• Assault I (Aggravated)
• Strangulation – Assault Witnessed by a Child

There is no ongoing threat to the community. The case remains under investigation and has been referred to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

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Search & Rescue Volunteers With The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Respond To Numerous Calls Over The Weekend (Photo) - 03/02/26

Bend, Ore. - The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit responded to three separate calls over the weekend on Saturday, February 28.

At 2:57 p.m., SAR was dispatched to assist a stranded hiker on South Sister. The solo female hiker from Bend had camped at Devils Lake and began her ascent early that morning. She turned around below Lewis Glacier due to icy snow conditions and became stranded while attempting to descend. Three SAR volunteers reached the hiker quickly, thanks to Airlink transport, and then began escorting her toward Devils Lake. Four additional volunteers hiked up from Devils Lake with extra equipment. The hiker was uninjured and returned to her vehicle.

Another call came in at 4:00 p.m. to help an injured Nordic skier between Todd Lake and the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park. SAR was gathering resources to assist, but the Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, who had just completed their shifts on the mountain, were closer and used snowmobiles to locate the skier and safely transport them back to their vehicle at Dutchman Flat Sno-Park.

At 4:21 p.m., SAR was requested to assist Bend Fire & Rescue with an injured dirt bike rider from Bend who crashed on Ford Road, north of Pictograph Cave, and outside the China Hat closure boundary. Several SAR volunteers who had gathered earlier for the skier call were redirected and responded on ATVs. The male rider was located, transported to a paved area, and taken to the hospital by Bend Fire & Rescue.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks all SAR volunteers, Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, Airlink, and Bend Fire & Rescue for their efforts and cooperation. 

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Wanted Felony Suspect Following SWAT-Assisted Operation In Sunriver (Photo) - 02/25/26

Sunriver, Ore. -- On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 8:38 a.m., the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team arrested Bend resident Paul Alfred Akehurst, 40, in the Sunriver area without incident.

Akehurst was wanted on multiple active Deschutes County warrants, including two felony warrants for Criminal Driving While Suspended or Revoked, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Identity Theft. Deputies had also developed probable cause for additional charges, including Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Driving While Suspended or Revoked.

The arrest followed an ongoing investigation and recent incidents in which Akehurst fled from law enforcement in a vehicle and drove recklessly toward the public and responding deputies.

Akehurst surrendered without incident after deputies served him with a court-authorized warrant. He was arrested and lodged at Deschutes County Adult Jail on outstanding warrants.

Additional charges may be included pending further review. 

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Arrest Made In Series Of Stolen Vehicle And Burglary Cases Across Sisters, Redmond, And Bend (Photo) - 02/25/26

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Blake Mogan, 36, of Sisters, in connection with multiple stolen vehicle investigations spanning December 2025 through February 2026. The cases involved heavy equipment and other vehicles taken from locations throughout Sisters, Redmond, and Bend.

Deputies first encountered Mogan on December 9, 2025, when he was arrested in Redmond after operating a stolen construction loader taken from a nearby job site. Following that incident, law enforcement agencies in the region began investigating additional thefts with similar methods and patterns.

On February 17, 2026, deputies located an abandoned and heavily damaged Sisters School District Suburban on Buckhorn Road. Evidence recovered from the vehicle, along with onboard video footage, identified Mogan as the individual responsible for the unlawful entry into the school district’s transportation building and theft of the vehicle.

On February 23, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a stolen City of Sisters F450 crane truck. Deputies coordinated with partner agencies and located the vehicle on a forest road northwest of Sisters. Mogan was contacted and taken into custody without incident. During the investigation, deputies also recovered a stolen utility trailer associated with the case.

Throughout the interviews, Mogan admitted to involvement in multiple vehicle thefts, including prior incidents under investigation by the Sheriff's Office, the Bend Police Department, and the Black Butte Police Department.

Mogan was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on numerous charges, including:

• Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
• Burglary in the Second Degree
• Theft in the First Degree
• Criminal Mischief
• Criminal Trespass
• Driving While Suspended

Mogan also faces a parole violation detainer related to previous convictions. These cases remain under investigation, and additional charges from partner agencies may follow.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Sisters School District, City of Sisters Public Works, Black Butte Police Department, and the Bend Police Department for their continued partnership throughout these investigations.

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office To Conduct Targeted Test Of Deschutes Alerts On Wednesday, February 25 (Photo) - 02/24/26

Bend, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management will conduct a targeted Deschutes Alerts test at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25. This annual reminder message will be sent to approximately 2,500 residents who have indicated in their Deschutes Alerts profile that they have additional needs, such as mobility challenges, dialysis requirements, or reliance on electrically powered medical equipment.

This is not a countywide test. Only a small subgroup of Deschutes Alerts users will receive the message. The purpose of this reminder is to encourage residents with additional needs to review and update their emergency notification information.

Key Details

• Date & Time: Wednesday, February 25 at 10:00 a.m
• Who Will Receive It: Residents who have identified additional needs in their Deschutes Alerts account
• Why It Matters: Keeping this information current helps emergency responders prioritize outreach during disasters when time allows

Need Help?

• A call center will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on February 25 at 541-550-4888 for assistance with Deschutes Alerts accounts, password help, and updates
• Before the test, residents can call 541-388-6501 for account assistance
• After 2:00 p.m. on February 25, calls to 541-550-4888 will automatically route to staff desks for follow-up

The next countywide Deschutes Alerts test is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, which will include all registered users (approximately 70,000 people).

For those who rely on electricity for medical equipment or refrigerated medications, it’s also a good idea to contact your power provider about emergency preparedness options:

• Central Electric Cooperative: 541-548-2144
• Midstate Electric Cooperative: 541-536-2126
• Pacific Power: 1-888-221-7070

Deschutes Alerts is a vital tool for keeping our community informed about all types of emergencies or alerts that impact neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, or daily life. Sign up today at deschutesalerts.org

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Juvenile Who Left Secure J Bar J Facility Without Permission Sunday Night Located And Arrested In Redmond - 02/23/26

Bend, Ore. – The 15-year-old male juvenile who left a secure J Bar J Youth Services facility on Sunday, February 22nd, was located and arrested Monday Afternoon. The Redmond Police Department responded to a call at Applebee’s in Redmond at 12:44 p.m. and took the juvenile into custody without incident.

The juvenile left the secure J Bar J Youth Services facility without authorization around 10:45 p.m. Sunday. The facility is located in the same building as Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice on Britta Street in north Bend. The juvenile was housed in a secure Behavior Rehabilitation Services program and was not permitted to leave the facility. He is on parole for aggravated assault with a weapon.

J Bar J Youth Services leases housing units from Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice but provides its own staffing and security. Participants are not free to leave and must complete a formal release process with their parole officer, including a 72-hour implementation plan. The juvenile did not initiate a release plan, and his parole officer issued an arrest warrant Sunday night for absconding.

Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office immediately began searching the area and issued a neighborhood alert to residents in the north Bend area to increase awareness and request assistance.

In accordance with Oregon law and standard practice, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office does not release the name or photograph of juveniles involved in juvenile proceedings.

The Sheriff’s Office thanks the Redmond Police Department for its assistance. 

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Deputies Searching For Juvenile Who Escaped From The Deschutes County Juvenile Detention Center - 02/23/26

Bend, Ore. -- At 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, a 15-year-old male juvenile escaped from the Deschutes County Juvenile Detention Center located on Britta Street in north Bend.

The juvenile is described as a mixed-race male, thin build, approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall, with dirty blonde curly hair and glasses. He was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

Upon learning of the escape, deputies immediately began searching the area and issued a neighborhood alert to residents in the north Bend area to increase awareness and request assistance. Law enforcement personnel are actively working to locate the juvenile.

If you see someone matching this description or have information about the juvenile’s whereabouts, call 9-1-1 immediately. In accordance with Oregon law and standard practice, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office does not release the name or photograph of juveniles involved in juvenile proceedings.

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Deputies With The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Eagle Crest Man After Multiple Attempts To Elude Law Enforcement (Photo) - 02/20/26

Eagle Crest, Ore. – On February 20, 2026, at 8:12 a.m., a deputy with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a passenger vehicle in the Sisters area after observing the driver operating aggressively, including brake-checking the deputy and driving over a roundabout. The driver failed to yield and continued through Sisters. Out of caution, the deputy did not pursue. The vehicle was last seen traveling west on Highway 20 past Black Butte.

The same vehicle was then observed returning to Sisters at 8:53 a.m. Deputies, assisted by Oregon State Police and the Black Butte Police Department, attempted another traffic stop. The driver fled east on Highway 20, prompting a pursuit. Deputies used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT), but the suspect regained control and sped away at a high rate of speed. The pursuit was terminated for public safety as the vehicle headed toward Tumalo and Bend.

At 11:07 a.m., a concerned citizen in the Eagle Crest area reported a vehicle following them, making them feel uncomfortable. Deputies responded and identified the vehicle as the same one from earlier. Multiple spike strips were successfully deployed, and a second PIT maneuver brought the vehicle to a stop on Eagle Crest Boulevard.

The driver, Doug R. Greaser, 54, of Eagle Crest, tried to walk away and resisted arrest but was taken into custody and transported to St. Charles-Bend for further evaluation. Greaser was arrested on the following charges:

• Felony Attempt to Elude (3 counts)
• Reckless Driving (3 counts)
• Multiple counts of Reckless Endangering
• Assault on a Police Officer

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks Oregon State Police, Black Butte Police Department, and the community for their assistance in safely resolving this incident.

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Deputies With The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Respond To Early Morning Break-in And Assault Between Bend And Sisters - 02/19/26

Bend, Ore. — At 6:17 a.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an attempted break-in and assault at a travel trailer located off Highway 20 between Bend and Sisters.

Deputies say 52-year-old Bradon Michael Planty attempted to force entry into a travel trailer where a couple is currently living on their own property while the house is for sale. The suspect allegedly broke a window, tried to get inside, and threatened to kill the couple. The male victim was able to call 9-1-1 for help.

During the confrontation, detectives say Planty used a knife and tried to gain entry, causing injuries to the female victim. She was then able to arm herself with her own knife in self-defense, but Planty gained possession of both knives and tried using them against her.  The female kept Planty from gaining entry for several minutes until deputies arrived.

Planty left the scene but was later located by deputies nearby. He resisted arrest and assaulted a peace officer before being taken into custody without further incident. The female victim was treated at the scene and declined transport to the hospital.

Planty was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the following charges:

• Assault 1 - Felony
• Assault 2 - Felony
• Assault on Public Safety Officer - Felony
• 2 Counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon - Felony
• Coercion - Felony
• Burglary 1
• Criminal Trespass 1 
• Menacing
• Criminal Mischief 1 (property damage)

Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues. 

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Wraps Up “Click It Or Ticket” Campaign With Key Safety Enforcement Results (Photo) - 02/12/26

Bend, Ore. - The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office recently concluded its participation in the national Click It or Ticket campaign, which ran from January 26 through February 8. This initiative focused on encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up when hitting the road and on sharing important tips for properly securing child car seats.

During the campaign, deputies conducted 51 traffic stops as part of the enforcement:

• 51 Traffic Stops
• 7 seatbelt violations cited
• 12 additional citations issued
• 30 warnings given
• 3 arrests made

While most drivers were following the law, these numbers serve as an important reminder that seat belts save lives. Sheriff Ty Rupert says the goal of these campaigns is not just to write tickets. It’s about educating drivers and reminding them of the importance of seat belts for their safety.

“Wearing a seatbelt and properly securing children in car seats are two of the easiest things you can do to prevent tragedy. We appreciate everyone who makes safety a priority every time they get behind the wheel,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.

Buckling up is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones in a crash. For more information on how to properly secure child car seats in your vehicle, check out the resources on the Sheriff's Office website, including a downloadable PDF: Car Seats - Deschutes County Sheriff Office Oregon

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Shares Results Of Natural Hazards Survey, Outlines Next Steps For Community Safety Planning - 02/11/26

Bend, Ore. — In December of 2025, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management asked local residents to share their experiences, concerns, and priorities related to natural hazards and emergency preparedness in a community-wide survey. The response was strong: 771 citizens participated in the Natural Hazards Survey, providing valuable insights that will help shape the 2026 Deschutes County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP).

Survey results show residents are most impacted by winter storms, wildfire, and extreme heat, and place the highest priority on safe evacuation routes, reliable utilities, clean water, trained emergency responders, and protection of critical facilities.

“This level of participation tells us people care deeply about preparedness and community safety,” said Ashley Volz, Emergency Services Coordinator with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “We heard loud and clear that residents want clear information, practical tools, and planning that reflects the realities of living in Central Oregon.”

Key Survey Findings

Top hazards experienced

• Winter storms (62%)
• Wildfire (58%)
• Extreme heat (40%)

Preparedness actions: Many households have signed up for emergency alerts and created evacuation plans or supply kits, but fewer have documented property, built emergency savings, or completed more complex preparedness steps.

Barriers to preparedness: Time, cost, storage limitations, and lack of clear information were the most cited challenges.

Trusted information sources: Emergency services were identified as the most trusted source for preparedness and safety information, followed by email newsletters, online news, and social media.

Next Steps

Survey results will directly inform the development of the 2026 Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, which guides Deschutes County's efforts to reduce risk, prioritize projects, and pursue grant funding for hazard mitigation and preparedness. The Office of Emergency Management plans to complete the following:

• Use survey feedback to guide planning discussions and mitigation priorities
• Continue community outreach and education focused on practical, achievable preparedness steps
• Share additional opportunities for public input as the planning process moves forward

Residents interested in learning more or staying involved are encouraged to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management at emergency.management@deschutes.org.

Survey results and key findings are available here: NHMP-Public-Survey-Key-Insights.pdf

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Burglary Suspect Arrested Following Stolen Vehicle Crash In Redmond (Photo) - 02/08/26

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search And Rescue Responds To Lost Hikers Near Green Lakes Trailhead (Photo) - 02/08/26

Woman Dies?in Vehicle-Versus-Pedestrian?Crash In Downtown Sisters - 02/07/26

Sisters, Ore. -- On Friday, February 6, 2026, at 7:24 p.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash in front of Rancho Viejo at 150 E Cascade Avenue (Highway 20) in downtown Sisters.  

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Completes Accreditation Process, Reinforcing Commitment To Professional Standards (Photo) - 02/05/26

Bend, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has successfully completed its accreditation process through the Northwest Accreditation Alliance (NWAA), reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in law enforcement operations and public safety.

Accreditation is a continuous process conducted every three years to ensure law enforcement agencies remain compliant with more than 100 professional standards. These standards cover critical areas such as policies, training, operations, and accountability, helping agencies operate efficiently and transparently.

“This process is an important part of our responsibility to the community,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert. “Accreditation ensures we are consistently meeting best practices and improving how we serve the public. It’s about building trust and demonstrating transparency because our community deserves to know that we hold ourselves accountable and operate at the highest level of professionalism.”

The accreditation process includes:

• Policy Review and Updates: Aligning agency policies with state and national standards.
• On-Site Assessment: Independent evaluators verify compliance.
• Ongoing Improvement: Agencies must maintain compliance and prepare for reaccreditation every three years.

Accreditation benefits the community by enhancing public confidence in law enforcement services, reducing liability risks, and improving operational efficiency, while strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and the public. The accreditation is valid for three years and must be renewed before January 31, 2029.

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