Emergency Info and Latest News from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

Released By: Sgt. Kent Vander Kamp

Release Date: April 17th, 2024

Location: 19000 block of Manzanita Lane, Bend, Oregon

Arrested: Michael A Bradford, age 50, of Bend, Oregon

              Automne Glasow, age 49, of Bend, OR

Charges: ORS 475C.337, Possession of Marijuana (32 times legal limit) and ORS 475C.345 Attempted Delivery of Marijuana (32 times legal limit)

Narrative:

BEND, Oregon, April 17, 2024 – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Team (DCIMME), in collaboration with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, conducted an operation today in the fight against illegal marijuana cultivation and distribution in Deschutes County.

At approximately 9:00 AM on April 17, 2024, DCIMME and supporting agencies executed a search warrant at a residence on the 19000 block of Manzanita Lane, Bend, Oregon. This action was the culmination of an extended investigation conducted in partnership with the US Postal Inspection Service, targeting illegal activities involving the possession, manufacturing, and distribution of marijuana.

The investigation identified a local couple allegedly engaged in the sale and distribution of processed marijuana to the east coast. Following the interception of a marijuana-laden package destined for Virginia by the US Postal Inspection Service, a federal search warrant was secured and subsequently executed.

Earlier in the day, DCSO patrol deputies detained Ms. Glasow during a traffic stop at 8:30 AM. Concurrently, the DCSO SWAT Team and detectives executed the search warrant at the couple's residence. Mr. Bradford was located and detained inside the property.

The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 69 pounds of processed marijuana, 160 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, packaging materials, and U.S. currency. Investigators have determined that the seized marijuana was intended for distribution across the black market in the United States.

Mr. Brandford and Ms. Glasow were booked into the Deschutes County Sheriff's Jail with the above charges. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize the investigation into the illegal manufacturing and distribution of marijuana within the region. Community members are urged to report any suspicious activities possibly related to marijuana cultivation by contacting the DCIMME team through non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 or via CannaFacts — Facts about Legal and Illegal Cannabis in Our Community at canna-facts.com.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its gratitude to all agencies involved in this operation, including the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, US Drug Enforcement Administration, US Postal Inspection Service, Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon Army National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, and Deschutes County Code Enforcement.

This operation underscores our ongoing commitment to safeguarding our community from illegal narcotics activities and ensuring public safety. 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 over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 263 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 178 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Released By: Lieutenant Bryan Husband

Date: April 17, 2024

Arrested: Jean Poirier, 66 year old female, Bend, Oregon

Charges: ORS 167.325 Animal Neglect in the Second Degree (15 counts)(Misdemeanor), (1 count)(Felony)

Narrative:

On March 6th, 2024, Deputies and Animal Control Technicians with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were provided information related to potential animal neglect occurring at the property belonging to Jean Poirier in rural Bend, OR. Poirier was contacted and cooperated with an ensuing investigation over several days, which included veterinarian examinations on 15 horses and 17 dogs. 

During the course of the investigation, deputies determined the horses located on the 9.32-acre ranch were in dire need of intervention, namely additional veterinarian care, hoof care and proper feed. Poirier surrendered ownership of the horses on March 14th, 2024, and with the assistance of several Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Posse members, Deputies and Animal Control Technicians removed the 15 horses from Poirier’s property and transported them to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Rescue Ranch. The age of the horses ranges from 13-29 years and consist of 1 stallion, 4 geldings and 10 mares.

The 17 dogs were in better condition than the horses and were allowed to remain with Poirier based upon her continued cooperation. Due to Poirier’s cooperation, she was cited and released for 15 misdemeanor counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree. The Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office has since reviewed the case and added one additional felony count of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree. A true bill was signed by the Grand Jury for all mentioned counts on April 15th, 2024. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Rescue Ranch is 23 acres and serves as a rehabilitation center for neglected, abandoned, and abused livestock. The horses seized as a result of this investigation are receiving veterinarian care, farrier care, appropriate feed, and are already showing signs of improvement.

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 over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 263 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 178 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Release by:  Sergeant Kyle Kalmbach

Release Date: 04/17/2024

Location:  50700 Block of Fawn Dr. La Pine

Arrested:  Albert Mendenhall, 79-year-old male, La Pine, OR

Charges:

3 Counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon

3 Counts of Menacing

3 Counts of Pointing a Firearm at Another

On April 16, 2024 at approximately 8:31 PM, deputies were dispatched to the 50700 block of S. Fawn Dr. in La Pine, Oregon regarding a domestic dispute involving a firearm.  It was reported that a male, later identified as Albert Mendenhall, was holding a gun and pointing it at other family members on scene.  Family members were able to safely exit the property and meet up with responding deputies. Deputies were able to make phone contact with Mr. Mendenhall who then agreed to surrender and turn himself over to deputies on scene.  Mr. Mendenhall was arrested without further incident.  During the incident, Deschutes County 911 sent a message via the emergency phone network informing residents in the nearby neighborhood to shelter in place due to an increase of law enforcement presence in the area.  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Sunriver Police Department and the Oregon State Police 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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, 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.

## End of Release ##

Released by: Sergeant Chris Barringer

Release Date: April 15, 2024

Location: HWY 97 MP 131

Arrested: Liam Bryne, 18-year-old male, Bend, OR

Charges:

1 Count Felony Elude

1 Count Reckless Driving

9 Counts Reckless Endangering

1 Count Criminal Mischief

On April 15, 2024, at approximately 6:15pm, Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office were advised of a Dodge Charger traveling southbound through Jefferson County at speeds well in excess of 100mph.  Deputies learned personnel with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office had initiated and subsequently discontinued a pursuit of the vehicle, and that the vehicle was continuing while passing through traffic unsafely.  

A Deschutes County Sheriff's Deputy observed the vehicle continuing southbound past Terrebonne at a high rate of speed.  The Deputy initiated a pursuit, but discontinued after the Charger continued accelerating away at an estimated speed of 120mph.  The Charger continued through the City of Redmond, at some points utilizing O'Neill Way and Canal Blvd.

Another Deputy successfully deployed spike strips on the speeding vehicle at the HWY 97 Deschutes Junction underpass at Tumalo Road.  The Dodge Charger subsequently slid off the right shoulder, through wire fencing and irrigation pipes, and eventually came to a rest in a field.  Deputies and Oregon State Police Troopers safely took the suspect into custody.  He was identified as 18-year-old Liam Byrne of Bend.  It was not apparent whether Byrne had sustained any sort of obvious injury during the crash.

Byrne was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for evaluation.  He will be booked into the Deschutes County Adult Jail for the above-mentioned offenses.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office thanks the Oregon State Police and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for their assistance during the 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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, 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.

***Update***

The identities of the deceased persons in the fatal motor vehicle accident are now released.

1. Driver - Bobby J. Jones (64 y/o male) - Gilchrist, OR
2. Passenger - Tami M. Jones (61 y/o female) - Gilchrist, OR

The deceased were husband and wife.

***End of Update***

On April 12, 2024, at approximately 1046 hours, Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident involving a Dodge Durango that had driven off the road and into a tree near MP 1 on Knott Rd.

When Deputies arrived, personnel with Bend Fire were already on scene and communicating with an entrapped male passenger in the back seat of the Durango.  The Durango's female front passenger and male driver were confirmed deceased at the scene.

Deputies learned during the investigation that the Durango was traveling eastbound on Knott Road at a high rate of speed when it attempted to pass a commercial motor vehicle.  The commercial motor vehicle was traveling in the same direction.  The Durango crossed the center double-yellow lines, and clipped the commercial motor vehicle when it attempted to return to the eastbound lane after almost colliding with a pickup truck traveling westbound.  The Durango drove off the roadway, and ultimately collided into a tree.

Based on the investigation, Deputies determined the deceased driver to be at fault for the motor vehicle accident.  

Bend Fire successfully extracted the passenger in the back seat and transported him to St. Charles Bend where he was treated for serious injuries.  The identity of the deceased driver and passenger is being withheld at this time pending notification of the family. 

Oregon State Police assisted with the response to the motor vehicle accident, and Deschutes County Public Works temporarily shut down Knott Road during the investigation.  The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office thanks OSP, Public Works, and Bend Fire for their assistance. 

Released by: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: April 9, 2024

Location: 50000 Block of Center Drive, La Pine, OR

 Arrested: Martin Adler, 59-year-old male, La Pine, OR

Charges: ORS 163.684 Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (8 counts), ORS 163.686 Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (8 counts), ORS 475.894 Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony).

Narrative:

On February 22nd, 2024, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office received multiple Cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Detectives learned through the Cybertips a cloud-based storage account within Deschutes County, was uploading Child Sexual Abuse Material.

Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detectives initiated an investigation and determined that the owner of the cloud-based storage account was Martin Adler of La Pine. 

On April 9th, 2024, Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office ICAC unit, as well as detectives with the Street Crimes unit, Digital Forensics unit, and Oregon State Police ICAC detectives served a search warrant at Adler’s residence. 

Several digital devices were seized from the residence. A felony amount of methamphetamine was located during the search warrant and was seized as well. Adler was placed under arrest, transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail, and booked on the aforementioned charges.

Further search warrants will be sought for the analysis of the seized digital devices, which may result in future charges being filed.

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 six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, 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. 

UPDATE

Released by: Lieutenant Jayson Janes

Date: April 5, 2024

Kelly Estella O'Brien has been located and reunited with her family. 

End of Update

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: April 5, 2024

Missing/Overdue Subject: Kelly Estella O’Brien, 58-year-old female, Redmond, Oregon

Vehicle: 2014 Toyota Rav 4, Oregon license plate 969 KXT

Narrative:

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from the public regarding a missing/overdue female from the Redmond, Oregon area.

Kelly Estella O’Brien was last seen at the Super 8 Motel in Redmond on April 4th, 2024, at approximately 3:40 pm. O’Brien was last seen wearing a green jacket and tan ball cap. O’Brien is believed to driving her 2014 Toyota Rav 4 SUV, bearing Oregon license plate 969 KXT.

If anyone witnesses O’Brien or her vehicle, please contact Deschutes County 911 non-emergency at 541-693-6911, reference case number 24-18045.

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 six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, 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. 

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. 

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. 

On Saturday, April 13, 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. 

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

Released by: Sergeant Joshua Barker

Release Date: March 30, 2024

Arrested Subjects: 

Michael, Ruth Ellen, 48-year-old female, La Pine

Michael, Kameron Johnathan, 30-year-old male, La Pine

Fitch, Joseph Beau, 42-year-old-male, La Pine

Charges:

Burglary in the First Degree, Criminal Trespass in the First Degree

NARRATIVE:

On March 29, 2024, just after 7:00 p.m., deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a burglary in the 51000 block of Ash Rd in La Pine. Upon arrival, deputies were able to determine there were multiple subjects inside of the residence and that an active burglary was in progress as items were being removed from the residence and taken to a vehicle in the driveway. 

Deputies were able to set a perimeter around the property with the assistance of troopers from the Oregon State Police. One of the suspects, Kameron Michael, attempted to leave the property in a vehicle and was taken into custody during a traffic stop as he exited the driveway. Deputies were able to determine there were still two additional suspects remaining in the residence, who were later identified as Ruth Michael and Joseph Fitch. 

K-9 Vinnie and his partner responded to the scene. The residence was surrounded and announcements were made for the suspects to come out and surrender with no response. Deputies were ultimately able to breach the front door to the residence and Joseph Fitch was taken into custody without incident. 

Announcements into the residence continued with no response and K-9 Vinnie was sent into the residence to search for the third outstanding suspect. K-9 Vinnie ultimately located Ruth Michael, who was non-compliant and hiding under a pile of clothing. Ruth Michael was captured and bit by K-9 Vinnie during this encounter. Ruth Michael was then taken into custody by deputies on scene. 

Ruth Michael was evaluated by medical personnel as a result of the dog bite. All three suspects were transported to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Jail and lodged on the crimes of Burglary in the First Degree and Criminal Trespass in the First Degree. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police for their assistance during this 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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, 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.

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RELEASED BY: Lieutenant Jayson Janes

DATE: March 30, 2024

LOCATION: Powell Butte Hwy and Morrill Rd

ARRESTED: James Ayers, 32 year old male, Redmond

CHARGES: Attempt to Elude Felony X2, Reckless Driving X2, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Endangering, and additional charges from the Redmond Police Department. 

ARRESTED: Brittney Davis, 33 year old female, Redmond

CHARGES: Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle

VEHICLE: 2003 Dodge Durango

On March 30, 2024 at approximately 10:20 AM Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies were assisting the Redmond Police Department with locating a vehicle that had been stolen from the City of Redmond earlier in the morning. A DCSO deputy located the 2003 Dodge Durango in the area of SE 10th and E Highway 126. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle and engaged in a brief pursuit. The vehicle entered the vacant land north of Hwy. 126 and the deputy discontinued the pursuit. Attempts were made to locate the vehicle without success. 

At approximately 1:13 PM DCSO received a report from a citizen advising they observed the stolen Dodge Durango on Alpine Lane in Alfalfa. Deputies and Troopers from the Oregon State Police responded to the area. The vehicle was observed driving in the area. Deputies attempted to follow the vehicle until more law enforcement arrived in the area. Deputies lost sight of the vehicle on Alfalfa Mkt. Rd. At approximately 2:01 PM a deputy observed the vehicle turn off of Powell Butte Highway onto Morrill Rd. The deputy later located the vehicle unoccupied approximately one half mile north of Powell Butte Highway. 

K9 Delta and her partner arrived on scene and began tracking the two subjects. At approximately 2:55 PM they located Ayers and Davis approximately one mile away from the stolen Durango. Ayers and Davis were taken into custody without incident. Ayers and Davis were transported to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Jail and lodged on the above mentioned charges. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police, Redmond Police Department, and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in apprehending these two subjects. 

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 six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, 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.

****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: March 21, 2024

Location: Highway 97-mile post 136

Decedent:  Platz, Gabriel Keith, 18-year-old male, Bend

Narrative:

On March 20, 2024, The Major Incident Team was activated to investigate the officer involved shooting that had taken place on Highway 97 at approximately mile post 136. The Deschutes County Sheriff Office is leading the Major Incident Team.

In conjunction with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, the Major Incident Team, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office the initial investigation has revealed the decedent, Gabriel Platz, brandished a firearm during his contact with the City of Bend Police Department moments before an officer discharged their agency issued firearm. 

This investigation is on-going and active at this time, any further information will be released by the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

****END OF RELEASE****

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 L. Shane Nelson, 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.

Released By Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: March 20th, 2024

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is pleased to announce the return of our free mandatory Boater Education card proctored examination, as well as a pre-season opportunity to have your motorized boat inspected. Oregon law requires Oregon residents 16 years of age and older who operate powered boats of more than 10 horsepower, to obtain their Mandatory Boater Education card. Failure to have a card under the above conditions might result in a $142 fine. This card is not a license to operate a boat, as there is no such requirement in Oregon. Once a boater receives their card, it never has to be renewed. There is a one-time $20 cost to receive your card and duplicate cards are available for $16.

Boat operators can also access the testing material and take the test on-line through the Oregon State Marine Board website, but there is generally a fee associated with the test and receiving a certificate. Exam participants will be shown an informational video prior to the proctored examination and will have an opportunity to ask questions. Additional exam preparation material can be found on the Oregon State Marine Board web site under “Study Guide”. A 75-question multiple choice test will be given; a minimum score of 70% is needed to pass. The tests are graded upon completion; necessary paperwork and information on how to receive their card from the Oregon State Marine Board will be given.

The following is the schedule of classes for 2024. All exams run from 9am-12pm and are held at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in Bend (63333 Hwy 20 West). There is no sign up or registration for the exam, but please arrive a few minutes prior to the start of the class to check in. For additional information, go to www.sheriff.deschutes.org, or boat-ed.com/oregon/ or contact the Sheriff’s Office at 541-388-6501.

2024 Class Dates: May 11th, June 8th, July 13th and August 24th

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will also be providing an opportunity for boaters to have their boats inspected at three different locations in Deschutes County. The inspections will be offered on April 13th, 2024, at Big Country RV in Redmond, the Main Sheriff’s Office parking lot in Bend and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office substation in La Pine. DCSO Marine Deputies and Volunteers will be present at the above locations on April 13th, between the hours of 9am-2pm.

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 L. Shane Nelson, 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.

Released by: Sergeant Chris Barringer

Release Date: March 19, 2024

Location: 25800 block of Alfalfa Market Road, Bend, OR

Arrested: David Sheridan, 45 year old male, Bend, OR 

Charges: 

Arson in the First Degree

Reckless Burning

Obstructing Governmental or Judicial Administration

Criminal Mischief in the First Degree

NARRATIVE:

On March 19, 2024 at approximately 1733 hours, Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported structure fire in the 25800 block of Alfalfa Market Road east of Bend.

While in route, Deputies learned a male, later identified as David Sheridan, had called 911 to report he had set his own house on fire.  Sheridan’s house is located at the end of a long driveway off of Alfalfa Market Road with fencing on either side, limiting maneuverability for responding emergency vehicles. 

Upon arrival, Deputies discovered an overturned Toyota Tacoma pickup on its side blocking access to Sheridan’s property.  Sheridan was observed driving a skidsteer on the property, and positioned it next to the overturned pickup, further impeding access. He climbed on top of the skidsteer and waved to deputies while they attempted contact with P.A. announcements. 

At this point, the residence on the property was fully engulfed while Sheridan was refusing to approach Deputies.  Alfalfa Fire was on scene, but unable to access the property due to the blocked driveway.

A decision was made to contact and detain Sheridan due to the growing danger of the fire spreading to neighboring properties.  Deputies had also been unable to confirm if anyone else was on the property that needed assistance.

After approaching Sheridan, he surrendered to Deputies.  The investigation confirmed Sheridan had set the fire, and had purposely blocked the driveway to impede fire response from putting out the fire. No one else was located on the property.

Sheridan was transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail and lodged on the aforementioned charges.  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks Alfalfa Fire for the response and 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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, 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.

## End of Release ##