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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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.
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.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Warns The Public Of Active Phone Scams Impersonating Law Enforcement (Photo)
- 09/14/26
Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is warning the community about an active phone scam involving individuals falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers. Since last week, DCSO has received multiple reports from local residents who were targeted by scammers impersonating Sheriff’s Office personnel.
On September 7, 2026, deputies received a report from a victim who was contacted by a caller identifying himself as a DCSO Lieutenant. The caller claimed the victim’s son, who had in fact been arrested the previous night, could be released early from jail if the victim paid $1,000. Believing the information to be legitimate, the victim sent the payment via Apple Pay to a phone number associated with a 208 area code. Investigators believe the scammers may be reviewing public jail rosters to create more convincing narratives.
On September 8, 2026, a second victim reported being contacted by someone also claiming to be a DCSO Lieutenant. The caller told her she had an active warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. The victim, who had recently been out of town, believed this was possible and followed the scammer’s instructions to drive to the Sheriff’s Office and wait in the parking lot. The scammer then attempted to convince her to send $9,000 to resolve the issue. The victim, a registered nurse, reported that the caller used official-sounding language and terminology, making the scam appear credible.
DCSO reminds the public of the following:
- Law enforcement will never notify someone of an arrest warrant over the phone.
- DCSO will never request payment, including fines, bail, or fees, by phone or through third‑party services such as Apple Pay, iTunes, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or mobile payment apps.
- Scammers often use urgent, threatening language to pressure victims into acting quickly.
- If you receive a call of this nature, hang up immediately and contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify any claims.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.
Public awareness is one of the most effective tools in preventing fraud. Please share this information with friends and family, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to phone-based scams.
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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Warns The Public Of Active Phone Scams Impersonating Law Enforcement (Photo)
- 09/14/26
Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is warning the community about an active phone scam involving individuals falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers. Since last week, DCSO has received multiple reports from local residents who were targeted by scammers impersonating Sheriff’s Office personnel.
On September 7, 2026, deputies received a report from a victim who was contacted by a caller identifying himself as a DCSO Lieutenant. The caller claimed the victim’s son, who had in fact been arrested the previous night, could be released early from jail if the victim paid $1,000. Believing the information to be legitimate, the victim sent the payment via Apple Pay to a phone number associated with a 208 area code. Investigators believe the scammers may be reviewing public jail rosters to create more convincing narratives.
On September 8, 2026, a second victim reported being contacted by someone also claiming to be a DCSO Lieutenant. The caller told her she had an active warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. The victim, who had recently been out of town, believed this was possible and followed the scammer’s instructions to drive to the Sheriff’s Office and wait in the parking lot. The scammer then attempted to convince her to send $9,000 to resolve the issue. The victim, a registered nurse, reported that the caller used official-sounding language and terminology, making the scam appear credible.
DCSO reminds the public of the following:
- Law enforcement will never notify someone of an arrest warrant over the phone.
- DCSO will never request payment, including fines, bail, or fees, by phone or through third‑party services such as Apple Pay, iTunes, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or mobile payment apps.
- Scammers often use urgent, threatening language to pressure victims into acting quickly.
- If you receive a call of this nature, hang up immediately and contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify any claims.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.
Public awareness is one of the most effective tools in preventing fraud. Please share this information with friends and family, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to phone-based scams.
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Sheriff Ty Rupert Statement Regarding Redmond Fire Incident On Wednesday, September 2
- 09/03/26
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office wants to address a statement released by Redmond Fire regarding the September 2 incident east of Redmond and provide additional information to the community. Redmond Fire stated that “no action was taken by DCSO.” This is not accurate.
A DCSO deputy responded to the fire call and was actively involved in the incident. While fire personnel directed individuals to extinguish prohibited burning, an individual approached the deputy and disclosed an outstanding warrant. The deputy confirmed the warrant and made an arrest on scene while the fire response was underway.
At the same time, deputies were handling two separate priority incidents: one involving a suicidal subject who was reported to be armed, and another involving an alleged person crime. These calls required immediate attention and affected the number of deputies available to respond directly to the fire location.
In addition to the on‑scene arrest, the Sheriff’s Office initiated a criminal investigation into the prohibited fire activity. That investigation remains open, and enforcement decisions will be made once it is complete.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office maintains a strong working relationship with all public safety agencies in the region, including Redmond Fire, and will continue to work collaboratively on incidents of this nature.
Sheriff Ty Rupert
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Sheriff Ty Rupert Statement Regarding Redmond Fire Incident On Wednesday, September 2
- 09/03/26
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office wants to address a statement released by Redmond Fire regarding the September 2 incident east of Redmond and provide additional information to the community. Redmond Fire stated that “no action was taken by DCSO.” This is not accurate.
A DCSO deputy responded to the fire call and was actively involved in the incident. While fire personnel directed individuals to extinguish prohibited burning, an individual approached the deputy and disclosed an outstanding warrant. The deputy confirmed the warrant and made an arrest on scene while the fire response was underway.
At the same time, deputies were handling two separate priority incidents: one involving a suicidal subject who was reported to be armed, and another involving an alleged person crime. These calls required immediate attention and affected the number of deputies available to respond directly to the fire location.
In addition to the on‑scene arrest, the Sheriff’s Office initiated a criminal investigation into the prohibited fire activity. That investigation remains open, and enforcement decisions will be made once it is complete.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office maintains a strong working relationship with all public safety agencies in the region, including Redmond Fire, and will continue to work collaboratively on incidents of this nature.
Sheriff Ty Rupert
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Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search And Rescue Volunteers Assist Stranded Hiker In Three Sisters Wilderness (Photo)
- 09/03/26
Sisters, Ore. -- On Wednesday, September 2, Deschutes County 911 received a Garmin SOS activation near Golden Lake in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. The reporting party, a 56‑year‑old woman from Silverton, Oregon, stated she was becoming hypothermic and required assistance.
At 12:51 p.m., Search and Rescue volunteers were dispatched. SAR members hiked approximately 6.5 miles through high winds, rain, and snow before locating the woman at 5:42 p.m. Volunteers provided dry clothing and warming blankets, then assisted her in walking back to the trailhead.
The woman was able to drive into town, where she stayed overnight to rest and recover. No injuries other than cold exposure were reported.
The Sheriff's Office commends our SAR volunteers for their commitment and professionalism in bringing this woman to safety under deteriorating weather conditions and a long return hike. SAR encourages all backcountry hikers to check weather forecasts, be prepared, tell someone their plans, and carry a reliable satellite communication device.
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Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search And Rescue Volunteers Assist Stranded Hiker In Three Sisters Wilderness (Photo)
- 09/03/26
Sisters, Ore. -- On Wednesday, September 2, Deschutes County 911 received a Garmin SOS activation near Golden Lake in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. The reporting party, a 56‑year‑old woman from Silverton, Oregon, stated she was becoming hypothermic and required assistance.
At 12:51 p.m., Search and Rescue volunteers were dispatched. SAR members hiked approximately 6.5 miles through high winds, rain, and snow before locating the woman at 5:42 p.m. Volunteers provided dry clothing and warming blankets, then assisted her in walking back to the trailhead.
The woman was able to drive into town, where she stayed overnight to rest and recover. No injuries other than cold exposure were reported.
The Sheriff's Office commends our SAR volunteers for their commitment and professionalism in bringing this woman to safety under deteriorating weather conditions and a long return hike. SAR encourages all backcountry hikers to check weather forecasts, be prepared, tell someone their plans, and carry a reliable satellite communication device.
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Central Oregon Partnerships For Youth Reports Strong Year Of Mentorship And Volunteer Engagement In Annual Report (Photo)
- 09/03/26
Bend, Ore -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office’s Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY) program has released its annual highlights for the 2025–2026 reporting period, reflecting continued growth in volunteer engagement and meaningful support for youth who have a family member involved in the criminal justice system.
The program expanded with new mentor matches, strengthened existing relationships, and offered structured training to equip incoming volunteers with the skills needed to support children facing significant challenges.
COPY is a community‑based mentoring initiative created by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to support children whose parents or caregivers are involved in the criminal justice system. The program connects youth with trained volunteer mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and consistent positive relationships.
“Every day, our COPY volunteers make a real difference in the lives of young people in Deschutes County,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “Their commitment is an investment in stronger families and a stronger community.”
Bob Moore, Project Coordinator for COPY, added, “This work simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers. Their time, energy, and compassion directly impact the confidence and resilience these kids carry forward.”
Key highlights from the reporting period include:
The Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth program continues to welcome new volunteer mentors and community partners. There is an upcoming fall mentor training on Saturday, September 26. For more information or to learn how to get involved, visit www.deschutes.org/copy or contact the program at COPY@deschutes.org or 541‑388‑6651.
Central Oregon Partnerships For Youth Reports Strong Year Of Mentorship And Volunteer Engagement In Annual Report (Photo)
- 09/03/26
Bend, Ore -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office’s Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY) program has released its annual highlights for the 2025–2026 reporting period, reflecting continued growth in volunteer engagement and meaningful support for youth who have a family member involved in the criminal justice system.
The program expanded with new mentor matches, strengthened existing relationships, and offered structured training to equip incoming volunteers with the skills needed to support children facing significant challenges.
COPY is a community‑based mentoring initiative created by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to support children whose parents or caregivers are involved in the criminal justice system. The program connects youth with trained volunteer mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and consistent positive relationships.
“Every day, our COPY volunteers make a real difference in the lives of young people in Deschutes County,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “Their commitment is an investment in stronger families and a stronger community.”
Bob Moore, Project Coordinator for COPY, added, “This work simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers. Their time, energy, and compassion directly impact the confidence and resilience these kids carry forward.”
Key highlights from the reporting period include:
The Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth program continues to welcome new volunteer mentors and community partners. There is an upcoming fall mentor training on Saturday, September 26. For more information or to learn how to get involved, visit www.deschutes.org/copy or contact the program at COPY@deschutes.org or 541‑388‑6651.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Responds To Fatal Crash Northeast Of Sisters
- 09/02/26
Sisters, Ore. -- On Wednesday, September 2, at approximately 2:33 p.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single‑vehicle crash northeast of Sisters on Wilt Road, east of Fair Mile Lane.
The vehicle involved was a white 2018 Ford F-150 pickup that had been traveling eastbound on Wilt Road when it left the roadway via the northbound shoulder and hit a Ponderosa pine tree. The driver, 82-year-old Frank Halvorsen of Sisters, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
An 81-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital by medics from the Sisters–Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Sisters–Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District and the Deschutes County Road Department.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Responds To Fatal Crash Northeast Of Sisters
- 09/02/26
Sisters, Ore. -- On Wednesday, September 2, at approximately 2:33 p.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single‑vehicle crash northeast of Sisters on Wilt Road, east of Fair Mile Lane.
The vehicle involved was a white 2018 Ford F-150 pickup that had been traveling eastbound on Wilt Road when it left the roadway via the northbound shoulder and hit a Ponderosa pine tree. The driver, 82-year-old Frank Halvorsen of Sisters, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
An 81-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital by medics from the Sisters–Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Sisters–Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District and the Deschutes County Road Department.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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Evacuation Notices Lifted For The Sno Park Fire West Of Bend (Photo)
- 08/30/26
Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reports that forward progress on the Sno Park Fire, located west of Bend on Skyliners Road, has been stopped and is now 100% contained. All evacuation notices for the area have been lifted.
Thanks to the quick and effective actions of firefighters on the ground and in the air, the fire’s growth was limited to approximately 10 acres.
Fire crews will remain on scene to strengthen containment lines and continue mop‑up operations. Skyliners Road at NF 4606 may still experience intermittent access restrictions to support ongoing fire activity.
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Evacuation Notices Lifted For The Sno Park Fire West Of Bend (Photo)
- 08/30/26
Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reports that forward progress on the Sno Park Fire, located west of Bend on Skyliners Road, has been stopped and is now 100% contained. All evacuation notices for the area have been lifted.
Thanks to the quick and effective actions of firefighters on the ground and in the air, the fire’s growth was limited to approximately 10 acres.
Fire crews will remain on scene to strengthen containment lines and continue mop‑up operations. Skyliners Road at NF 4606 may still experience intermittent access restrictions to support ongoing fire activity.
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Level 1 (Be Set) Evacuation Notice Issued For Area West Of Bend Off Skyliners Road Due To Sno Park Fire
- 08/29/26
Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 (Be Set) evacuation notice for the area west of Bend at Mile Post 7 on Skyliners Road due to the Sno Park Fire, currently estimated at approximately 8 acres.
Skyliners Road at Forest Service Road 4606 is closed to westbound traffic due to active fire operations. Please avoid the area and allow fire crews to work safely.
A Level 1 (Be Set) notice means residents should prepare for possible evacuation. Review your emergency plan, gather essential items, and stay alert to changing conditions. Preparedness information is available at www.deschutes.org/emergency. If you need extra time to evacuate or feel you are in immediate danger, take action early.
The Sheriff's Office will continue to monitor the Sno Park Fire and provide updates as conditions evolve.
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Level 1 (Be Set) Evacuation Notice Issued For Area West Of Bend Off Skyliners Road Due To Sno Park Fire
- 08/29/26
Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 (Be Set) evacuation notice for the area west of Bend at Mile Post 7 on Skyliners Road due to the Sno Park Fire, currently estimated at approximately 8 acres.
Skyliners Road at Forest Service Road 4606 is closed to westbound traffic due to active fire operations. Please avoid the area and allow fire crews to work safely.
A Level 1 (Be Set) notice means residents should prepare for possible evacuation. Review your emergency plan, gather essential items, and stay alert to changing conditions. Preparedness information is available at www.deschutes.org/emergency. If you need extra time to evacuate or feel you are in immediate danger, take action early.
The Sheriff's Office will continue to monitor the Sno Park Fire and provide updates as conditions evolve.
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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Joins Regional Blitz To Protect Kids And Promote Seat Belt And Car Seat Safety (Photo)
- 08/27/26
Deschutes County, Ore. — A five-point harness buckle takes seconds to click. That small habit is the difference between a close call and a tragedy. That’s why the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is joining law enforcement agencies across Central Oregon for a coordinated child passenger safety enforcement blitz through September 6.
Deputies will be watching for unbuckled and improperly restrained children to ensure they are properly secured. Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert said the goal is education and awareness, and helping families avoid tragedy.
"Our goal is not to hand out citations. It’s to make sure every family has the information they need to keep their children safe,” explained Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert. “We want families to understand the importance of car seat safety. Education helps save lives before enforcement ever does."
In 2024, Oregon recorded 103 deaths linked to a lack of seat belt or a child not being properly secured in a car seat. Those deaths made up nearly a third of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state. Statewide, 1,918 children were injured in crashes that year, and 12 percent of them were unrestrained.
The fix is proven and simple:
- Car seats improve infant crash survival by 71 percent
- Toddler survival improves by up to 59 percent with proper restraint
- Booster seats cut injury risk by 45 percent for kids ages 4–8
Oregon requires children to ride rear-facing until at least age 2, then in a car seat or booster until age 8 or 4’9” tall — whichever comes first — and until the adult seat belt fits correctly on its own (lap belt low across the hips, shoulder belt across the chest, not the neck).
For more information and to download a flyer that outlines how to properly secure child car seats, visit the Sheriff's Office website.
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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Joins Regional Blitz To Protect Kids And Promote Seat Belt And Car Seat Safety (Photo)
- 08/27/26
Deschutes County, Ore. — A five-point harness buckle takes seconds to click. That small habit is the difference between a close call and a tragedy. That’s why the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is joining law enforcement agencies across Central Oregon for a coordinated child passenger safety enforcement blitz through September 6.
Deputies will be watching for unbuckled and improperly restrained children to ensure they are properly secured. Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert said the goal is education and awareness, and helping families avoid tragedy.
"Our goal is not to hand out citations. It’s to make sure every family has the information they need to keep their children safe,” explained Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert. “We want families to understand the importance of car seat safety. Education helps save lives before enforcement ever does."
In 2024, Oregon recorded 103 deaths linked to a lack of seat belt or a child not being properly secured in a car seat. Those deaths made up nearly a third of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state. Statewide, 1,918 children were injured in crashes that year, and 12 percent of them were unrestrained.
The fix is proven and simple:
- Car seats improve infant crash survival by 71 percent
- Toddler survival improves by up to 59 percent with proper restraint
- Booster seats cut injury risk by 45 percent for kids ages 4–8
Oregon requires children to ride rear-facing until at least age 2, then in a car seat or booster until age 8 or 4’9” tall — whichever comes first — and until the adult seat belt fits correctly on its own (lap belt low across the hips, shoulder belt across the chest, not the neck).
For more information and to download a flyer that outlines how to properly secure child car seats, visit the Sheriff's Office website.
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