UPDATE -
Redmond, OR – On Tuesday, November 12, 2019, Redmond Officers received a tip from the public about the location of the black VW, which was stolen on November 10. Following up on the tip, the vehicle was recovered in the area of SW Obsidian Ave and SW 63rd Street. The car was hidden in trees and brush, just outside Redmond city limits.
Officers also were able to identify the individual suspected of stealing the VW and bring charges against him associated with car theft and the pursuit that followed. The suspect, Mr. Jeffrey Collins, 37, of Redmond, was already in Deschutes County Jail after previously being arrested on November 11 for unrelated charges associated with violating a restraining order.
Collins has been arrested for numerous crimes stemming from vehicle theft and pursuit. They include Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Attempt to Elude a Police Officer – Felony, Burglary in the First Degree, Violation of a Restraining Order, and other misdemeanor crimes. Collins remains at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.
The Redmond Police Department is very appreciative of all the information received from the public relating to this investigation.
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PREVIOUS RELEASE -
Redmond, OR – At 10:00 AM on Sunday, November 10, 2019, Redmond Police took a report of a stolen 2012 black Volkswagen EOS passenger car from the 2900 block of SW 24th Court in Redmond. Officers took a report and, at approximately 3:45 PM, found the vehicle in the Walmart parking lot in Redmond. A suspect was painting the tires/wheels in the parking lot.
Officers attempted to contact the suspect and vehicle. However, while attempting to do so, the suspect and vehicle exited the parking lot and drove west on NW Maple Ave and then north on Northwest Way into Terrebonne. The vehicle eventually went back south towards Redmond on Hwy 97 and then started driving southbound in the northbound lanes of Hwy 97 in the area of exit 119 (N Canal Blvd & NW 6th Street). During the pursuit, speeds exceeded 80 miles per hour.
In the interest of public safety, the officers stopped pursuing the suspect. Many variables are taken into account when officers are pursuing a vehicle/suspect and in this case, terminating the pursuit was the safest decision.
The stolen vehicle and driver were last observed driving south on N Canal Blvd in the area of Redmond St Charles Medical Center.
At this time, the incident remains under investigation. Officers are actively investigating leads and seeking the public’s assistance. If you observed a Volkswagen convertible with a damaged front bumper, please contact Deschutes County 911 Dispatch and requestion to speak with the Redmond Police Department.