Fatal ATV Crash During Brewer Fire Response - 07/21/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fatal ATV Crash During Brewer Fire Response

On July 20, 2026, at approximately 1:47 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Jefferson County Fire & EMS responded to a report of an ATV crash on private property at the north end of the Brewer Fire.

The investigation indicates that 58-year-old Stacy Chiddix of Madras was taking measurable efforts to protect his property from the advancing Brewer Fire when the incident occurred. While operating his personal ATV on steep terrain, Mr. Chiddix was ejected from the ATV, which subsequently overturned and pinned him beneath it.

Friends who were with Mr. Chiddix rushed to free him from underneath the ATV, began life-saving measures, and requested emergency assistance. Due to the remote location, steep terrain, and active fire conditions, emergency responders accessed the scene using off-road vehicles. Despite the immediate efforts of those on scene and responding emergency personnel, Mr. Chiddix succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Frontier 911 dispatchers played a critical role in coordinating the emergency response. Despite the remote location and difficult terrain, dispatch personnel were able to effectively communicate with those on scene, direct responding resources into the area, place Life Flight on standby, and coordinate the preparation of a nearby landing zone should air transport have been possible.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock, want residence and fire crews to know:

Stacy wasn't out recreating on his ATV. Although we encourage people to evacuate, property owners are not required to do so.   He was doing what some property owners that are impacted by the Brewer Fire have been doing, everything he could to protect the place he called home, and the memories that go along with his home. Our hearts go out to Stacy's family, his friends, and everyone affected by this tragic loss. We are also grateful to those who immediately came to his aid and to the firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and deputies who responded under extremely difficult conditions.

Active wildfire areas present many hazards beyond the fire itself. We encourage residents to leave however, if a property owner is working to protect their property to remain aware of their surroundings and use caution in these dynamic environments.

Respectfully

Jason Pollock, Sheriff

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office And CODE Conduct Major Narcotics Enforcement Operation - 06/26/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and CODE Conduct Major Narcotics Enforcement Operation

Following several months-long investigations into the suspected distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout Central Oregon, members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, working alongside the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, carried out a coordinated narcotics enforcement operation on June 24, 2026.

The investigation identified multiple individuals suspected of participating in the illegal distribution of controlled substances throughout Central Oregon. As part of the operation, detectives simultaneously served a search warrant at a residence in Jefferson County while deputies and detectives positioned themselves along U.S. Highway 97 to intercept a vehicle believed to be transporting a commercial quantity of narcotics.

During the execution of the search warrant, detectives secured the residence and attempted to take Elizabeth Chavez, age 40, of Madras, into custody. After being advised she was under arrest, Chavez attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by detectives. Investigators also recovered suspected methamphetamine from her person during the arrest. Additional evidence was collected during the execution of the search warrant and will continue to be evaluated as part of the ongoing investigation.

Detectives also located two juveniles inside the residence during the execution of the search warrant. Based on the investigation, investigators believe the children were being exposed to an environment where illegal narcotics were being distributed, and individuals involved in illegal drug activity were frequently present. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting children from environments where illegal drug activity places their safety and well-being at risk.

At the same time, deputies initiated a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle traveling south on U.S. Highway 97. The driver, Nicholas Speck, age 40, of Redmond, fled from law enforcement rather than yielding, initiating a vehicle pursuit. Deputies and CODE detectives worked together throughout the pursuit, successfully deploying spike strips to disable the suspect vehicle. During the spike strip deployment, the initial pursuing deputy's patrol vehicle was also disabled, requiring Sheriff Jason Pollock, who could assist with the operation, to assume the lead position in the pursuit. The pursuit continued for several more miles until the Sheriff performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, safely bringing the vehicle to a stop. All suspects in the vehicle were taken into custody and after the stop, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office narcotics K9 Keira with CODE, was deployed and alerted to the suspect vehicle. A search warrant was obtained, and the team located items that are related to the charges listed below.

As a result of the investigation, the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office has filed the following charges:

Brent Waldorf, 35, of Madras
• Delivery of Fentanyl
• Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl

During the booking process at the Jefferson County Adult Corrections Facility, corrections deputies recovered approximately 31.38 grams of suspected fentanyl after Waldorf was advised of Oregon law regarding introducing contraband into a correctional facility.

Elizabeth Chavez, 40, of Madras
• Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine involving more than 50 grams of methamphetamine

Additional allegations include unlawful possession of methamphetamine and attempting to flee from detectives while being taken into custody during the execution of the search warrant.

Nicholas Speck, 40, of Redmond
• Felony Attempting to Elude Police

• Felon in Possession of a Firearm

• Reckless Endangering

• Reckless Driving

Kenneth Crutcher, 47, of Redmond
• Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon

Investigators located an electro-muscular disruption device (Taser) on Crutcher during the operation. He was also lodged on a probation detainer.

This investigation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal. The teamwork displayed by the members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, and our law enforcement partners resulted in the disruption of an alleged illegal drug distribution operation while keeping our deputies and our community safe. Fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to devastate families across Oregon, and we remain committed to aggressively investigating those responsible for bringing these dangerous drugs into our communities.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office also recognizes the outstanding work of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Jefferson County Sheriff's Office detectives, patrol deputies, corrections deputies, dispatchers, the Madras Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and our other regional law enforcement partners whose coordinated planning and execution made this operation successful.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible as investigators continue to review evidence collected during the operation.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity in Jefferson County is encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office or the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team.