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

Emergency Info and Latest News

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Tues, 31 Jan 2017

Immigration: OSSA Legal Analysis

Many Oregon residents are asking their local Sheriff how President Trump’s January 25, 2017 Executive Order on Immigration will change local practices. The Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association provides the following analysis of this complex issue. The answer, at least in the short term, is that immediate changes to police practices are unlikely.

Click here for full article on OSSA Website


Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:00:00 PDT

DHS, DCSO and Deschutes County 911 Working Together to Help Persons with Additional Needs Update Deschutes Alerts Profile (Photo)

Beginning Monday March 18, 2024, The Oregon Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes County 911, will be conducting phone outreach to certain people who have signed up for Deschutes Alerts to remind them to update their information. If you are a person who has signed up for Deschutes Alerts and have also identified as having one or more additional needs such as mobility challenges or oxygen use, the Oregon Department of Human Services may contact you this month to help you update your information.  

Deschutes Alerts is one way first responders in Deschutes County notify people of life-threatening emergencies such as wildfires. If you live or work in Deschutes County, you should sign up for Deschutes Alerts by visiting deschutesalerts.org

You can log into your Deschutes Alerts account or create a new account by visiting deschutesalerts.org. If you need assistance accessing or creating an account, please call 541-388-6501 during business hours. If you want to find another county’s emergency notification system, visit ORAlert.gov.  

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.


Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:02:57 PDT

Fatal Single Vehicle Rollover Accident on Wilt Rd. near Sisters

****UPDATE****

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: March 13, 2024

Deceased Driver: Gast, Kevin Blake, 65-year-old male, Sisters, Oregon

****END OF UPDATE****

 

 

 

Released by: Sgt. Chris Barringer

Release Date: March 12, 2024

 

Driver #1: Withheld pending notification of family

 

NARRATIVE: On March 12, 2024, at approximately 2026 hours, Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported single vehicle rollover accident near the intersection of Wilt Rd. and Hinkle Butte Rd. north of Sisters.  Deputies were advised a Dodge Ram pickup was resting on its side on the shoulder of the road.

Upon arrival Deputies determined no other vehicles were involved. The driver of the crashed pickup was determined to be deceased at the scene.  The name of the driver is being withheld pending notification of family.  Wilt Rd. was temporarily closed for the investigation but has since been reopened.

Officers with the Black Butte Police Department and Sisters Fire personnel also responded to the scene.  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks them 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 ##


Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:05:36 PDT

* Update * Unresponsive adult male at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort (Photo)

Released by Lt. Mike Sundberg 

Updated release March 6th, 2024

Narrative

On March 5th, 2024 at about 2:06 PM, emergency personnel and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive adult male at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort. The reported individual had been located in the West Bowl ski area.

While emergency resources responded, a citizen began performing life-saving techniques for the unresponsive individual, including CPR. Mount Bachelor Ski Patrol and Bend Fire Medics continued to provide emergency medical care as the subject was transported to the Mt. Bachelor onsite medical facility. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

The initial investigation performed by the Sheriff’s Office has determined the following details: 

The deceased subject was identified as Bend resident Robert Douglas Harrington, 58 years of age. Mr. Harrington was an avid skier and was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. Mr. Harrington had initially accessed the Northwest Express lift and was discovered unresponsive by a citizen approximately 30 minutes later. Mr. Harrington was found to be suffering from the effects of snow immersion suffocation. 

The Deschutes County Medical Examiner assisted with the investigation and their findings were consistent with snow immersion suffocation. There was no evidence of trauma to Mr. Harrington and his helmet was not damaged. 

End of updated release.

 

Released by Lt. Mike Sundberg 

Released date March 5th, 2024

NARRATIVE

On March 5th, 2024 at about 2:06 PM, emergency personnel and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive adult male at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort. The reported individual had been located in the West Bowl ski area.

 While emergency resources responded, a citizen began performing life-saving techniques for the unresponsive individual, including CPR. Mount Bachelor Ski Patrol and Bend Fire Medics continued to provide emergency medical care as the subject was transported to the Mt. Bachelor onsite medical facility. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

This is an ongoing investigation, and we are currently attempting to contact the subject’s next of kin. Additional details will be released at a later time.   

End of release


Mon, 04 Mar 2024 13:49:56 PDT

Stuck Motorist China Hat Rd. MP 32 (Photo)

Released by: Lieutenant Ty Rupert

Released Date: 03/04/2024

Location: China Hat / Milepost 32

Persons Assisted:

28 year old female, Redmond, OR 

22 year old female, Redmond, OR 

6 year old male, Redmond, OR 

4 year old female, Redmond, OR 

3-Dogs

 

On 03/03/2024 at approximately 1615 hours, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office received a report of a family who got their vehicle (2007 Dodge Ram truck) stuck in 3 feet of snow on China Hat Road, near China Hat Butte (milepost 32) southeast of Bend.   

The reporting party, who did not know the stranded motorists had attempted to assist the family though they were unable to get the vehicle un-stuck (no shovels, tow straps, or recovery gear). There were 2-adult females, 2-children (ages 4 and 6) as well as three dogs in the stuck vehicle.

The temperature at the location was approximately 18-degrees, and snowing.  The stranded family had no cell service, no food or water with them. The location of the stranded motorist was not exactly known by the reporting party. 

A Special Services Deputy attempted to call and send the stranded family text messages (please remain with your vehicle, stay warm, we are on the way), though these contact attempts were unsuccessful.  A cell phone location ping was conducted though it did not provide assistance in this case. 

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue was activated.  Two SAR teams, consisting of 3-SAR volunteers, and 1-Deptuy responded to the China Hat location with a Tracked Rescue Vehicle (TRV photo attached) and a tracked Polaris Ranger.

The SAR team deployed in the tracked vehicles on China Hat Rd. near milepost 24. At approximately 1907 hours, the SAR volunteers reported that they had located the stranded family which included 2-adults, 2-children, and 3-dogs inside their stuck vehicle. The family was cold, but reported to be healthy, and uninjured.  The family and pets were provided with food and water and then loaded into the heated Tracked Rescue Vehicle (TRV) where they were transported to an awaiting transport vehicle near milepost 24 on China Hat Rd. The family, and pets were then provided with a courtesy transport to their residence in Redmond.  

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 191 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.


Sun, 03 Mar 2024 15:36:36 PDT

Home Intruder Arrested in Deschutes River Woods Neighborhood

Released by: Sergeant Chris Barringer

 

Release Date: March 3, 2024

Location: 60100 Block of Agate Rd. in Bend, OR

Arrested: Nicholas Kendle, 46 year old male, Bend, OR 

Charges: 

Burglary in the First Degree – 1 count

Attempted Burglary in the First Degree – 3 counts

Attempted Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle – 2 counts

Criminal Trespass in the First Degree – 1 count

Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree – 5 counts

 

NARRATIVE:

 

On March 3, 2024 at approximately 12:14am, Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a home intruder in the 60100 block of Agate Road. 

The reporting person told Deschutes County 911 that an unknown male, later identified as Nichols Kendle, had entered his home while holding a sheathed knife in his hand.  The homeowner was able to get the male to leave his residence.  He had since lost visual contact with the male, but he provided a detailed description of the intruder to law enforcement.

Law enforcement personnel from DCSO, Bend Police Department, and the Oregon State Police responded to the area and set a perimeter to contain the subject.  Additionally, an immediate action team was developed to apprehend the subject when located.  Deschutes County 911 sent a message via the emergency phone network informing residents of an armed subject in the neighborhood, and advised them to shelter in place and call 911 with any reports of suspicious activity.

Shortly after the alert was sent, Deschutes County 911 began receiving calls reporting the subject was seen walking through yards in the neighborhood. One armed homeowner challenged the male through her front door and provided Deschutes County 911 with an updated location.

Law enforcement personnel responded to the location and took the male into custody without further incident.  Nicholas Kendle was arrested on the above-mentioned charges and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.  This is an ongoing investigation, and additional charges are possible. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Bend PD and the Oregon State Police for their assistance in this matter. 

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 ##


Wed, 28 Feb 2024 12:20:11 PDT

Rollover Crash on Alfalfa Market Road Closes Roadway While Crash is Investigated (Photo)

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: February 28, 2024

Location: Alfalfa Market Road, mile post 6

Driver: Juan Carlos Linares – Age 28

Vehicle: 2004 Ford F-350 pick up

Narrative:

On February 28, 2024, at approximately 3:00 am, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a cell phone automatic crash notification near MP 6 on Alfalfa Market Road. Deputies responded and found a Ford F-350 that had rolled over several times while traveling east on Alfalfa Market Road. The male passenger was standing outside of the rolled vehicle and appeared to have sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. The male driver, identified as Juan Carlos Linares, was trapped in the vehicle and appeared to have sustained major injuries as a result of the crash.

Bend Fire and Rescue as well as Alfalfa Fire responded to the crash location, Air Link launched while fire personnel extricated Linares from the vehicle.  Linares was flown to St. Charles Bend for further medical treatment. During the course of the investigation, deputies determined alcohol to be a contributing factor to the motor vehicle crash. 

The investigation is currently on-going, further information will be released when it becomes available.

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 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 


Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:55:08 PDT

Male Subject Arrested After K-9 Track (Photo)

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: February 27, 2024

Location: China Hat Road, mile post 2

Arrested: Hurlbut, Jonathan, 35-year-old male, Bend, Or

Charges: ORS 811.540 Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, ORS 164.045 Theft in the Second Degree, Warrant-Fail to Appear (original charge Theft in the Second Degree)

 

Narrative:

On 2/26/2024 at approximately 9:20pm, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to contact a subject driving a white Toyota 4Runner that had abruptly turned into the Deschutes National Forest from China Hat Rd. near mile post 2. The 4Runner stopped and the male driver immediately exited the vehicle and ran on foot westbound through the forest. 

Deputies developed information that the male was Jonathan Hurlbut who was wanted in Deschutes County on a warrant for Theft in the Second Degree. The City of Bend Police Department advised they had probable cause to arrest Hurlbut for Theft in the Second Degree, and Oregon State Police advised they had probable cause to arrest him for Felony Eluding a Police Officer.

DCSO deputies along with K-9 Vinnie tracked Hurlbut on foot west and south through the Deschutes National Forest. Bend Police Department responded, with a drone operator and K-9 Buck. K-9 Buck picked up the track and led the Patrol units southbound to a trailer at a camp belonging to Hurlbut off of China Hat Rd. near mile post 3.

DCSO and Bend Police surrounded Hurlbut’s trailer and made verbal contact with him at approximately 11:10pm. Hurlbut exited his trailer and was taken into custody without further incident. Hurlbut was transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail where he was lodged on the above-mentioned charges. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Bend PD for their assistance in tracking and capturing Hurlbut. 

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 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 


Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:05:55 PDT

Search Warrant Leads to Arrest of Fentanyl Trafficker, Concludes Long Term Investigation (Photo)

***UPDATE***

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit (SCU) continued their investigation into the commercial drug offenses alleged to have been committed by Jeffrey Cluff of Bend. 

Cluff had been the target of SCU investigators for trafficking fentanyl in Deschutes County and was believed to be the leader of a localized drug trafficking organization. Upon serving a search warrant at Cluff’s trailer a substantial quantity of fentanyl and methamphetamine was located and Cluff was charged for the illegal distribution. 

As part of SCU’s ongoing criminal investigation and additional search warrant was served at a separate location that Cluff is associated with in Bend. The result of this search yielded an additional commercial quantity of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and nearly $37,000 in US currency and over $2,000 in Australian currency. 

Through their investigation narcotics detectives believed these were proceeds from illegal drug sales and seized the cash as fruits of the crimes of Cluff’s drug operation.

SCU would like to thank the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team for their assistance during this investigation.

 

***END OF UPDATE***

 

 

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: February 15, 2024

Location: 22000 block of Nelson Road, Deschutes County 

Arrested: Cluff, Jeffrey Jack 54-year-old male, Bend

Charges: Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Fentanyl, Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Fentanyl, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine, Felony Warrant-Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

Narrative:

On February 14th, 2024, detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit (SCU) concluded a long-term investigation into the possession and distribution of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in Deschutes County with the arrest of Cluff.

SCU detectives identified Cluff as a fentanyl trafficker in Deschutes County through several separate investigations indicating that Cluff was a primary source of supply for localized fentanyl distribution.

Detectives from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside detectives from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team developed enough investigative information to secure a search warrant for Cluff’s residence, near the Bend Airport.

Narcotics detectives coordinated a traffic stop utilizing the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Community Action Target Team (CATT) resulting in the arrest of Cluff and seizure of a criminal amount of powder fentanyl packaged for delivery.

Narcotics detectives then executed a search warrant at Cluff’s trailer and seized a commercial quantity of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, a commercial quantity of suspected powdered fentanyl and a commercial quantity of methamphetamine.

As a result of the investigation investigators learned Cluff maintained a connection with a Drug Trafficking Organization in the Portland area which served as his source of fentanyl supply. Cluff would purchase large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine from this source and redistribute the controlled substance to localized dealers within Deschutes County as well as directly distributing the controlled substance to local users. 

The SCU Detectives investigative information shows Cluff was operating in the capacity of the head of this localized drug trafficking organization. Cluff was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on the above-mentioned charges.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit would like to thank the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team for their assistance with information that aided in 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, 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 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

 


Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:14:25 PDT

Assistance Requested in Locating Missing Male From La Pine Area (Photo)

Additional information

Mr. Seymour was found safe and in good health. 

 

UPDATE

Released by: Lieutenant Jayson Janes

Date: February 19, 2024

 

Mr. Seymour has been located. 

The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating Mr. Seymour. 

End of release

 

Released by: Lieutenant Jayson Janes

Date: February 18, 2024

Missing Person: Kenneth Seymour, 41 year old male

Vehicle: White 2020 Ford F150 with Oregon license 061 PKZ

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 41 year old Kenneth Seymour. Seymour is described as 5’8” approximately 250 pounds with green eyes and blond hair. 

Seymour was last seen on February 15, 2024, leaving a residence on Hwy 31 in La Pine. Seymour left the area in his white 2020 Ford F150 displaying Oregon license 061 PKZ. Seymour is possibly wearing a gray Carhartt sweatshirt and black Muck boots or Hey Dude shoes. 

If you have information on Seymour’s whereabouts or if you have seen Seymour, please contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at 541-693-6911. 

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. 

Deschutes County Sheriff 2016

Adult Jail

(541) 388-6661

Main Office

63333 West Hwy 20
Bend, OR. 97703

(541) 388-6655
(541) 693-6911 (Non-emergency after hours)

Monday - Friday 8-5pm

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