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

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: December 20, 2024

Location:  Area of Masten Road and Jackpine Road 

Narrative:

On December 20th, 2024, at approximately 8:30 am, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of a deceased subject at a camp north of Masten Road and east of Jackpine Road. Upon arrival deputies began investigating a suspicious death.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, and the Medical Examiner’s Office. 

At this time the investigation is active and on-going, further information will be released when it becomes available.

Investigators believe this is an isolated incident, however we ask the public to remain vigilant, if suspicious persons or vehicle are witnessed, please contact Deschutes County 911.

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.

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners approved the appointment of Kent van der Kamp as Deschutes County Sheriff for the period of January 1, 2025, until his term of office begins on January 6, 2025. The appointment is required by state law (ORS 236.210) because Sheriff Shane Nelson retires on Dec. 31, leaving the position vacant until van der Kamp can be officially sworn in on Monday, Jan. 6.

"I am deeply honored to accept the appointment by the Board of Commissioners to serve as Deschutes County Sheriff during this transitional period. I look forward to officially stepping into this role and continuing to build on the trust and collaboration our community deserves.” 

“I am also thrilled to introduce our new command staff, who will bring their leadership and expertise to guide us through this journey:

• Undersheriff Aaron Wells
• Patrol Captain Mike Sundberg
• Detective Captain Ty Rupert
• Corrections Captain Mike Shults
• Administrative Captain Bill Bailey

These individuals bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to excellence. I am confident their leadership will inspire and support us all as we work toward our shared goals.” said Sheriff-elect Kent van der Kamp.

On November 5th, 2024, Kent van der Kamp was elected as the 10th Sheriff of Deschutes County, Oregon. Sheriff van der Kamp oversees the 3055 square mile county and manages more than 260 employees. The office operates with a $67 million dollar budget that includes patrol, corrections, court security, search and rescue, administrative services, special services, SWAT and automotive maintenance. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office provides patrol services throughout the county and the incorporated cities of Sisters and La Pine. Sheriff van der Kamp's greatest responsibilities is to protect the people who live and visit Deschutes County.