Driver Crashes Vehicle Through Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Gate (Photo) -04/20/25

Released by: Lieutenant Chris Erhardt

 

Release Date: April 20, 2025

 

Location: 63333 Highway 20 Bend, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

 

Arrested: Thomas Lee Downs, 38-year-old male, Bend, OR

 

Charges:

• Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
• Reckless Driving
• Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
• Parole Violation

 

On April 19, 2025, shortly after 10:45 pm, A Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant noticed damage to the vehicle entrance gate located in the secured parking lot of the main office. The Sergeant observed a black truck in the westside of the secured parking with music blaring. After further observation, it was clear the vehicle drove through the gate at a high rate of speed and crashed into a block wall.

 

The Oregon State Police arrived to assist with contacting the driver, Thomas Lee Downs, and took him into custody. The Oregon State Police investigated and ultimately arrested Downs for DUII, Reckless Driving, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, and Parole Violation. He was lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail. It is estimated that damage to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is more than $80,000.

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank The Oregon State Police for their response and assistance in the incident.

 

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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

A Message From Deschutes County Sheriff Kent Van Der Kamp (Photo) -04/14/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

A Message from Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp

 

I am deeply disappointed by the recent decision by District Attorney Steve Gunnells to place me on the Brady list. While I respectfully dispute the reasoning behind this action, I understand the seriousness of the situation and the impact it may have on the Sheriff's Office and the public's trust.

 

Since taking office, I have worked tirelessly to restore transparency, integrity, and fiscal responsibility within our agency. We’ve made significant progress together—but I also recognize that leadership includes facing challenges head-on and making difficult decisions when they are in the best interest of the community and the Sheriff's Office.

 

At this time, I am working closely with my command team, legal counsel, and county officials to fully understand the implications of this decision and carefully evaluate the best path forward for the Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes County. I remain committed to serving this community and to ensuring that the work we’ve begun continues with strength and stability.

 

I ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate this moment, and I will provide further updates as decisions are made in the days ahead.

 

— Sheriff Kent Vander Kamp
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Is Providing Courtesy Boat Safety Inspections At Three Locations This Saturday (Photo) -04/11/25

Released By:  Lt. Nathan Garibay

 

Release Date:  April 11th, 2025

 

On Saturday, April 12th, 2025 the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will be providing voluntary boat safety inspections at three different locations in Deschutes County. DCSO Marine Deputies will be present to conduct the inspections. Upon successful completion of the inspection, boat operators will recieve an inspection sticker indicating the boat has passed safety and legal requirements. If the boat does not pass, the boat operator will recieve information on how to bring their boat into compliance.

 

These free, no-penalty inspections make sure your boat/watercraft complies with state and federal regulations so you can focus on safely enjoying Oregon's waterways. Go to cgaux.org/vsc to learn more. 

 

 

Date:  April 12th, 2025 / 9 AM - 2 PM

Locations:

• Sheriff's Office Main Office Parking Lot - 63333 W Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97703

• La Pine County Services Center - 51340 Hwy 97, La Pine, OR 97739

• Big Country RV Service Center - 2872 SW 17^th St, Redmond, OR 97756

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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

13-Year-Old Boy Dies After Snowboarding Accident At Mt. Bachelor (Photo) -04/09/25

Class Prepares Volunteers To Mentor Children With Incarcerated Parents (Photo) -04/01/25

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, April 12, COPY will offer a volunteer training. This 3½-hour class covers program policies, Q&A from a current volunteer, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, communication skills, and the stages of a mentoring relationship. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is required. Light snacks and refreshments provided.

After initial training and comprehensive background checks, volunteers are matched with a child in Bend, Redmond, Sisters or LaPine that share similar interests and activities and commit 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, cooking or baking, or simply hanging out and talking.

For additional details please call 541-388-6651 or email COPY@deschutes.org  Additional program information is available at the Sheriff’s Office web site at www.sheriff.deschutes.org/copy