Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: June 1, 2023
Location: W Railway/W McKinney Butte Road
Arrested: Jamie Lee Denby, 31-year-old male, Marion County
Charges: Three Active Nationwide Felony Warrants (Kidnapping, Coercion, Extortion, Assault 4th Degree, Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Menacing, and Unlawful Use of an Electrical Stun Gun, Tear Gas, or Mace)
Arrested: Shunea Elizabeth Myers, 32-year-old female, Marion County
Charges: Warrant (Failure to Appear, original charge Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle)
Narrative:
On May 31, 2023, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Rays Food Place parking lot in Sisters after a deputy was contacted by a female who appeared to be in distress. The deputy spoke with the female, later identified as Shunea Elizabeth Myers, who advised she had travelled to Sisters from Marion County with a male who was wanted by law enforcement.
Myers further advised the deputy she herself had a warrant for her arrest, however, did not feel safe with the male. Myers identified the male as Jamie Lee Denby. Deputies were able to corroborate the information given by Myers, and indeed both Myers and Denby had active warrants. Myers explained to deputies that if Denby was contacted by law enforcement he would more likely than not fight, Myers also stated Denby was armed with a machete.
Deputies were able to locate Denby inside a vehicle in the Chevron parking lot seated in the front passenger seat under a blanket sleeping. All businesses in the immediate area were contacted and advised to pause operations while Denby was contacted and arrested.
The vehicle Denby occupied was contained by the presence of multiple deputies and the assistance of Black Butte Police. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office armored rescue vehicle was utilized for the safety of the citizens, deputies, and also Denby. By denying the vehicle Denby was inside any possibility of movement deputies were able to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity.
Denby was taken into custody without incident and the businesses in the area were advised they could resume normal activities. This event was resolved within 32 minutes and no individual was hurt or injured.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Black Butte Ranch Police Department for their assistance.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
*****UPDATE*****
On June 1, 2023, at 1:50 am, The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office was advised Robert “Bob” Fravel was located near Pilot Butte, in Bend. Mr. Fravel was in good health and spirits considering the length of time he was outdoors.
We would like to thank the community for their assistance with attempting to locate Mr. Fravel. We would also like to thank Deschutes County Search and Rescue volunteers, and the City of Bend Police Department for their dedication and service to this community.
*****END OF UPDATE*****
*****MISSING SUBJECT WITH ALZHEIMER"S*****
*****SPECIAL ATTENTION BEND*****
*****SEARCH CONTINUES*****
Updated Release:
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is still searching for Robert “Bob” Fravel. He is believed to be wearing blue jeans, hiking shoes, a long-sleeve shirt, and an unknown color baseball hat. Bob is 6 feet tall, thin to medium build with grey/white hair and clean-shaven.
An additional picture of Bob is attached to this updated release.
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone between the south end of Redmond to the north end of Bend to check their property and any surveillance cameras. Bob was last seen near his home in the Hunnel Road area around 11:30 am.
Search and Rescue Volunteers, Special Services Deputies, and Patrol Deputies have been searching for Bob throughout the Tumalo and North Bend vicinity.
Please call Deschutes County 911 at 541-693-6911 if you see Bob or have any additional information.
Original Release:
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance in locating Robert "Bob" Alan Fravel, a 75-year-old white male last seen in the area of Hunnell Road.
Bob was last seen at 11:30 am, possibly wearing blue jeans, blue slip-on style shoes or hiking boots, and possibly a baseball hat of unknown color.
Bob is 6 feet tall, thin to medium build with grey or white hair. Bob knows his name and has a friendly demeanor.
Please contact Deschutes County 911 if you have any information about Bob's whereabouts or have seen him. 541-693-6911 non-emergency dispatch.
Bob is currently clean shaven and does not have a mustache at this time.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Released Date: May 31, 2023
Location: Sisters High School, 1700 W McKinney Butte Road, Sisters, Oregon
Arrested: Juvenile female, name withheld
Charges: Arson 1st Degree (2 counts), Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (1 count), Disorderly Conduct 1st Degree (1 count)
Narrative:
On May 31, 2023, at 10:20 am, a student at the Sisters High School alerted staff to a fire in the girl’s restroom. School staff responded to the girl’s restroom and extinguished the fire, which was located in the trash receptacle, with a fire extinguisher.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office School Resource deputy, who is assigned to Sisters High School also responded to the High School to assist. Shortly thereafter, a second fire was reported in a separate girl’s restroom. This second fire was active and creating a lot of black smoke due to the fuel source being a paper product and a plastic toilet paper dispenser.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office School Resource deputy was provided surveillance footage and was able to identify a suspect. The suspect, a freshman student, was located at the school property and arrested without incident on the aforementioned charges.
There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.
The suspect was transported to the Deschutes County Juvenile Detention Center and lodged.
Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: May 27, 2023
Location: Deschutes River, near La Pine State Recreation Park
Narrative:
On May 27, 2023 at 3:15 pm, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a boat crash on the Deschutes River near La Pine State Recreation Park. Initial reports advised a jet boat was travelling up river when it struck a submerged tree that was not visible. As a result of the collision one of the passengers, a 50 year old male, was ejected from the boat.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue responded to the scene to assist La Pine Fire/Medics with the medical emergency. The male who was ejected from the boat sustained serious injuries, and needed to be carried from the crash site to an awaiting ambulance. Once in the ambulance the patient was transported to a landing zone where he was then flown via air ambulance to St. Charles, Bend.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies investigated the cause and manner of the crash, the driver of the boat was cooperative and alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash. The area of the Deschutes River the jet boat was being operated is closed to motorized craft, and the boat driver was issued a citation for that violation.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone to exercise caution when recreating on or near water this weekend. Although air temperatures are warming, the water in our surrounding lakes and rivers is still very cold. Hypothermia can set in very quickly and can be life threatening if a life vest is not being utilized. Alcohol and drugs can impair the ability to operate a motorized vehicle due to the fact they slow coordination, judgement, and reaction times. Please recreate responsibly this Memorial weekend.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
Release By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: May 27, 2023
Location: Paulina Lake, Newberry National Volcanic Monument
On May 27th, 2023, at 10:58 am, Deschutes County 911 Dispatch received a 911 call regarding an injured hiker on the Paulina Lakeshore Trail in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument near the Paulina Lake Lodge. The caller reported that a 66-year-old female fell while hiking resulting in injuries that prevented her from walking. Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers were activated, and a total of 7-SAR volunteers responded to this mission.
Two SAR teams responded to Paulina Lake Lodge to access the trail. Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol deputies also responded to this call to assist as the Lakeshore trail was in-part accessible by boat.
At approximately 12:03 pm both teams arrived at the Paulina Lakeshore trailhead. SAR Team 1 arrived to the patient at approximately 12:12 pm and began to evaluate the hiker’s injuries. SAR Team 2 arrived with a wheeled litter. The patient was then transported by wheeled litter to a boat accessible location on Paulina Lake. The patient was loaded onto a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol boat and transported to the Paulina Lake Lodge boat dock arriving approximately 1:15 pm where they met with La Pine Fire / Paramedics. The patient was subsequently transported by ambulance to St. Charles Bend.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: May 27, 2023
On Friday May 26th, 2023, at about 2:30 PM. Deschutes County 911 Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a motorcycle crash in the East Fort Rock OHV trail system area near China Hat Rd. milepost 17.5. The 911 caller reported that a 63-year-old female had been riding on OHV "Trail 18" when she crashed on her motorcycle and sustained non-life-threatening injuries that limited her mobility.
This 911 call was split to Bend Fire and Rescue, though due to the location of the patient, Bend Fire requested the assistance of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue volunteers. The patient was reported to be approximately 1.5 miles from the nearest ambulance accessible road (China Hat Rd. FS 18). Vehicle Access to the patient was limited (single track motorcycle trail) though people within the injured patient group reported that an ATV could access this location.
At approximately 2:44 pm SAR volunteers were dispatched. A total of 8-SAR volunteers with 6-SAR ATV's responded to this call, as well as two Special Services Deputies assigned to Search and Rescue. At approximately 3:50 PM a Special Services Deputy arrived in the area and met with two motorcycle riders who were riding with the patient at the time of the crash.
These riders assisted by identifying the quickest trail access to reach the patient for the responding SAR volunteers. At about 4:10 pm two SAR teams arrived at the staging location and deployed on ATV'S. At about 4:15 pm the SAR volunteers arrived with the patient.
The patient's injuries were evaluated by SAR medical team members, and she was subsequently loaded into a litter and onto a patient transport ATV trailer (ATV towed trailer). The patient was then transported out of the trail system to China Hat Road where Bend Fire and Rescue were staged with an ambulance. The patient was then transported to St. Charles Bend.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
Release By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: May 26, 2023
Location: Lost Tracks Golf Course, Bend, Oregon
Arrested: Laura Malinda Ann Allison, 42-year-old female, Bend
Charges: Assault 4th Degree, Menacing (2 counts)
Arrested: Michael Edward Parker, 47-year-old male, Bend, Oregon
Charges: Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing
Victims: 16-year-old male, name withheld
18-year-old male, name withheld
Narrative:
On May 24, 2023, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the Lost Tracks Golf Course on a report of an assault that had just taken place. Initial reports detailed a female had just assaulted a golf course employee and that during the assault a male had brandished a machete. Both assailants were believed to be residents of the houseless camps on U.S. Forest Service land that borders the golf course.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned the female assailant, later identified as Laura Allison, had confronted one of the golf course employees about golf balls being hit over the driving range netting. During this confrontation Allison screamed obscenities at the juvenile employee and eventually began chasing him when the juvenile employee attempted to leave the area.
Allison then confronted the second golf course employee and struck him in the head with her fist. The employee defended himself and was able to eventually restrain Allison while the other employees contacted Deschutes County 911 Dispatch. During this melee Michael Parker arrived on scene, walking from his camp trailer that is located on U.S. Forest Service land that borders the golf course. Multiple witness advised deputies Parker was armed with a machete, which he removed from its sheath and brandished it in an aggressive manner towards the employee restraining Allison.
The employee, being afraid for his own safety and the safety of the others present opted to release Allison. Both Allison and Parker returned to their nearby camps.
Parker was located shortly after the incident and taken into custody. Parker was lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on the above listed charges.
Allison was contacted on May 25, 2023, and taken into custody. Allison was lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on the above listed charges.
Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
La Pine, OR –
On Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023, detectives with the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement team and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team concluded a several-month-long investigation involving a group based in the La Pine area home that is allegedly growing and processing illicit marijuana and delivering to the mid-west and eastern portions of the United States.
This case began with community complaints and tips about a Bend man operating an illicit marijuana grow in a residential area on Berg Lane in North Bend.
The Deschutes County Illicit Marijuana Enforcement Team requested the assistance of the Central Oregon Drug Team to further their investigation. As a result, CODE and DCIME detectives, drug agents, and intelligence analysts conducted surveillance of the identified man. During these surveillance operations, detectives identified a large criminal organization with an additional property in NW Bend and three growing and processing properties in La Pine.
On May 23rd, 2023, at approximately 7:00 AM, CODE and DCIME detectives, with the assistance of the Deschutes County Sheriff's SWAT Team and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), executed simultaneous Search Warrants in the following areas.
· 800 block of NW Newport Ave, Bend
· 63000 block of Berg Lane, Bend
· 16000 block of Dyke Road, La Pine
· 52000 block of Polar Drive, La Pine
· 52200 block of Polar Drive, La Pine
During these search warrants, a total of 665 lbs. of processed marijuana flower and 630 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were seized as evidence from the five locations. In addition to marijuana, detectives also seized a large amount of US currency, evidence of inter-state trafficking, and financial crimes.
During the execution of these search warrants, several people were detained and interviewed at the scenes. No arrests have been made at this time. However, several arrests are pending Grand Jury indictments. The names of these people are being withheld until additional follow-up investigations are complete, and indictments have been issued.
Detectives are attempting to locate the following people of interest in this case;
Daniel Liautaud, age 36, of Bend, Oregon
Jackson Liautaud, age 31, of La Pine, Oregon
Anyone with information about the Liautauds' whereabouts is asked to call Detectives Dustin Miller or Tony Ramos at 541-693-9111 and reference case 23-25857. Do not attempt to arrest or detain them if seen.
Possessing small amounts of marijuana is legal for recreational use in Oregon. However, large, unlicensed marijuana operations remain illegal. These unregulated operations pose dangers to the public and the environment.
For example, during the search warrant on Berg Lane, detectives found the septic system was malfunctioning and overwhelmed with waste. Raw sewage was flooding the property and nearby soil for a lengthy time. A failing septic system can contaminate well water and nearby waterbodies. Untreated wastewater is a health hazard and can cause many human diseases. Once this untreated wastewater enters the groundwater, neighborhood wells and groundwater can be contaminated. Contaminated water used to cultivate illicit marijuana and later sold to the unwitting public is unsafe for consumption.
A Deschutes County Building Code Compliance Officer assisted after detectives observed numerous additional building code violations, in addition to the failing septic system. Some properties had dangerous electrical wiring, unpermitted electrical panels, exposed electrical wires, and unpermitted interior walls.
The Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement (DCIME) program is a partnership between the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, the Bend Police Department, and the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office to address illegal marijuana activity in Deschutes County.
CODE and DCIME were assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Deschutes County Sheriff's Street Crime Unit, Redmond Street Crimes Unit, Bend Police Department and the Oregon State Police with the investigation, eradication, and dismantling of these sites.
Release By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: May 22, 2023
Location: 64000 block of Tumalo Rim Drive, Bend, Oregon
Arrested: Vincent, Jeremiah Anthony 47-year-old male, Bend
Charges: Probation Violation (Original Charge Assault IV)
Narrative:
On the morning of May 22, 2023, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 64000 block of Tumalo Rim Drive to conduct a welfare check on a female resident, and her two infant children.
Initial reports detailed the female was a prior domestic violence victim, and the offending party Jeremiah Anthony Vincent was on scene and had assaulted her. The reporting party advised Deschutes County 911 Dispatch the female victim was too scared to contact law enforcement, and her two infant children, under the ages of four were present with her at the residence.
Deputies responded to the area of the residence, and attempted phone contact to the victim who denied being at the residence. Deputies were able to determine this was not true and began initiating protocols for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team to respond.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT members responded to the scene and assumed command of the incident. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to the scene and assisted with the investigative portion of the incident.
Based on the knowledge of the female being a prior victim of domestic violence, the fact two infant children were on scene, and the training and experience of the investigators about the cycle of abuse, this incident was treated as a hostage rescue.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence, to include all outbuildings and curtilage.
All investigative and negotiation tactics were employed during the over six-hour event. The female eventually agreed to exit the residence with her two children, however Jeremiah Vincent remained inside and refused to exit.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team members continued to loud hail the residence as they had for over three hours. Vincent eventually exited the rear of the residence when the front door was breached. Vincent was taken into custody and lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on the above listed charge.
Residents close to the incident were notified through the Emergency Preparedness Network, and advised there was no current threat to the community however heavy law enforcement presence was occurring in the area.
Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
Release By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: May 18, 2023
Location: 60000 block of SE 27th Street
Driver#1: Richard Rathmell Jr. 76-year-old male, Bend
Driver #2: Bend–La Pine School District Bus Driver
Narrative:
On May 18, 2023, at approximately 8:30 am, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash on SE 27th Street, north of Rickard Road. Initial reports indicated a Toyota XA sport utility vehicle had collided head on with a Bend-La Pine School District bus.
Deschutes County 911 Dispatch was advised the bus was occupied with children, however they appeared to be un-injured. The driver of the Toyota XA, later identified as Richard Rathmell Jr., was attended to and evaluated by Bend Fire/Medics on scene. Rathmell Jr. was ultimately transported to St. Charles Bend for treatment.
The Bend-La Pine School District was contacted and arrangements to have the children picked up by a secondary bus was established. The children on the bus at the time of the crash were evaluated by a school nurse once they arrived at their school.
SE 27th Street was closed for a short time to conduct the investigation, evaluate and transport patients, and remove the damaged vehicles.
At this time the investigation is on-going, and more details will be released once they become available.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
Release By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: May 9, 2023
Location: 55000 block of Forest Lane, Bend, Oregon
Arrested: Malmstrom, Kodiak Jack, 43-year-old male, Bend
Charges: Coercion (3 counts), Menacing (3 counts), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (3 counts), Pointing a Firearm at Another (3 counts), Reckless Endangering Another Person (3 counts)
Narrative:
On the evening of May 8, 2023, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of a domestic dispute in the 55000 block of Forest Lane. Deschutes County 911 Dispatch was contacted and advised Malmstrom was intoxicated and pointed a firearm at another person present at the residence.
All family members left the residence and barricaded themselves inside an apartment located on the second floor of a barn on the property. At this time Malmstrom was armed with a rifle and began attempting to gain access to the barn. Malmstrom eventually gained access to the barn and apartment just as deputies were able to detain him and take him into custody.
Neither Malmstrom nor any subjects on scene were injured. Malmstrom was transported to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail where he was lodged on the above listed charges.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Sunriver Police Department, and Oregon State Police for their assistance with this investigation.
Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
****UPDATE****
Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: May 8, 2023
Location: Highway 97/Yew Avenue, Redmond
Arrested: Russell William Vortuba, 43-year-old male, Bend
Narrative:
On May 7, 2023, at approximately 5:00 pm, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was involved in a vehicle pursuit of a homicide suspect, identified as Russell Vortuba, north on Highway 97 concluding just south of the City of Redmond near the Yew Avenue exit.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office initiated the pursuit after a black BMW SUV was seen travelling on Hunnel Road. The driver of the black BMW SUV, Vortuba, was a suspect in a homicide committed in the Powell Butte area of Crook County earlier in the day.
The suspect vehicle eventually proceeded north on Highway 97 while being surveilled by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office until additional resources were put into place. During this brief time the suspect vehicle was being surveilled it sped off at a high rate of speed, forcing the surveilling unit to initiate a pursuit.
During the pursuit, all southbound traffic on Highway 97 was stopped as a precaution. Deputies were able to set up spike strips near Highway 97 and SW Tomahawk Avenue in an attempt to immobilize the suspect vehicle, deflating some of the tires.
The suspect vehicle avoided being spiked near the Yew Avenue exit, when deputies utilized the Pursuit Immobilization Technique to bring the vehicle to a stop.
As deputies attempted to apprehend the suspect, they heard numerous gunshots from within the vehicle. Vortuba had intentionally shot himself numerous times. Deputies preformed emergency lifesaving measures prior to medical personnel arriving.
Once medical personnel arrived, they attended to Vortuba and ultimately transported him to St. Charles in Bend.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Redmond Police Department, Oregon State Police, City of Bend Police Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Redmond Public Works for their assistance with this incident.
Requests for further information should be referred to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, as this is an active investigation.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
****END OF UPDATE****
Released by: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: May 7, 2023
Location: Highway 97/Yew Avenue, Redmond
Arrested: Name withheld
NARRATIVE:
On May 7, 2023, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was involved in a vehicle pursuit north on Highway 97. The suspect vehicle left the roadway, in part due to the utilization of Pursuit Immobilization Technique near the Yew Avenue exit, and the driver/sole occupant of the vehicle was taken into custody and transported to St. Charles for treatment.
There is no danger to the community at this time, and further information will be released as it becomes available.
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 L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.