🚨 Arrest Made Following Assault and Standoff in Sunriver

Issue #096

15 Mar

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

✈️ Sheriff identifies Idaho husband and wife killed in crash of small plane that hit wire atop BPA power line SE of Madras

🏫Realms HS students compete in Shark Tank-style fashion with their video game designs

📰 Fire & Rescue News

💥🚨Three-Vehicle Head-On Collision on Powell Butte Highway Leaves Two Drivers Injured, One in Critical Condition

📰 Crime News

🚨 Arrest Made Following Assault and Standoff in Sunriver

🚨 Redmond Police Seeking to Locate Suspect involved in Stabbing Downtown   

🚘🚨Scary road rage incident begins on Crooked River Ranch, leads to Terrebonne man’s arrest

📰Community News

🤝Think Wild seeking dedicated wildlife volunteers for busy spring, summer season

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

🍀Saint Patrick’s Day Sunday - Get your Irish On

 

What color was originally associated with St. Patrick's Day before green became the dominant color?

A) Blue

B) Yellow

C) Red

D) White

👇Find the Answer at the end of the Newletter👇

BEND

Sheriff identifies Idaho husband and wife killed in crash of small plane that hit wire atop BPA power line SE of Madras

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – After several days spent notifying family members, Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock late Thursday released the names of an Idaho couple killed Sunday when their small plane traveling from an airport south of Portland to Idaho crashed southeast of Madras.

Pollock said David Hagerty, 69, and his wife, Venita Hagerty, 63, of Caldwell Idaho, were the only people aboard Hagerty's Piper PA-32 when struck a wire atop a 500-kilovolt power line and crashed Sunday afternoon in a remote area about five miles southeast of Madras.

Frontier Regional 911 dispatchers received the report of a plane crash around 7:40 p.m. Sunday and first responders including Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies, Fire & EMS and Madras Police were immediately dispatched.

It took some time to reach the remote crash site, 5 1/2 miles southeast of Madras and south of the Deer Ridge Correctional Institution.

During the initial investigation, deputies were able to determine the plane left Aurora State Airport en route to Idaho, Sheriff Jason Pollock said.

“Due to the extent of the crash, there were no survivors,” the sheriff said in an online posting early Monday.

 Later Monday, Pollock confirmed that there were "two souls lost in the crash. I can't say who yet, because we are struggling with making contact with family." Monday night, he confirmed they were a husband and wife from Caldwell, Idaho.

An initial Federal Aviation Administration report indicated the plane, a Piper PA-32, also known as a Cherokee Six, was destroyed.

The FAA registration for the plane shows it was manufactured in 1965, issued its latest airworthiness certificate in February of 2023 and registered to David Hagerty.

The sheriff said the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA will conduct “a lengthy investigation” into the cause of the crash.

The NTSB said its investigator arrived at the crash site Monday afternoon to begin documenting of the plane. An agency spokesman said the wreckage will then be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation.

A transmission line outage began shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday, BPA Media Relations Specialist Kevin Wingert said. A few minutes later, after the line “tested bad and would not reclose,” BPA scrambled a crew to patrol the line, find the source of the outage and repair it, if possible.

Around 6 p.m., that crew located a downed “static wire” southeast of Madras and began assessing what material might be needed for repairs, Wingert said. Those repairs were completed and the line restored to service at 3:25 p.m. Monday.

Wingert explained that static wires run from one the top of one transmission tower to another, to protect transmission lines from potential lightning strikes, but they don’t carry any power themselves.

“The static wire, when cut, fell into our transmission lines, resulting in the actual outage,” Wingert said.

Once the problem was found, repair work was scheduled for Monday, since the power had been rerouted and the outage was not affecting any customers directly.

Around 7:30 p.m., as the crew left the area, “they saw off in the distance what appeared to be a downed aircraft that apparently had struck the static wire,” the BPA representative said. “Our crew immediately contacted emergency services and backed out of the area to allow emergency responders to do their work.”

The height of the transmission line towers varies, based on terrain, Wingert said, but they are generally about 100 feet tall, meaning the static wire that was struck likely would have been about 60 to 100 feet in elevation.

The transmission line outage did not lead to any customer outages, Wingert said. The BPA line segment runs between the John Day Dam and the Grizzly Substation, south-southeast of Madras.

“Our electric grid is pretty robust, and we’ve been able to reroute power without impacts on our utilities whom we provide service,” he explained.

More information from the NTSB:

NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. As part of this process, investigators will gather the following information and records:

  • Flight track data

  • Recordings of any air traffic control communications

  • Aircraft maintenance records

  • Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident

  • Pilot’s license, ratings and recency of flight experience

  • 72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safety operate the flight

  • Witness statements

  • Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation

  • Any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras

Witnesses to the accident or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the NTSB at [email protected].

 

'They got really competitive': Realms HS students compete in Shark Tank-style fashion with their video game designs - KTVZ

Students at Realms High School have been working on creating their own video game concepts in their math and English classes. On Thursday, they faced quite the test: presenting their concepts to video game developers with Bend Studio, in 'Shark Tank' style.

ktvz.com/news/local-news/2024/03/14/they-got-really-competitive-realms-hs-students-compete-in-shark-tank-style-fashion-with-their-video-game-designs

Weekly Road & Traffic Report Week of March 2nd - March 8th Redmond

Weekly Road Construction Update Week of March 10th to March 16th Deschutes County

 

Three-Vehicle Head-On Collision on Powell Butte Highway Leaves Two Drivers Injured, One in Critical Condition

POWELL BUTTE, Or. – Two drivers were injured, one critically, in a three-vehicle head-on crash Thursday morning on the Powell Butte Highway west of Powell Butte that closed the road for about two hours, Crook County sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies and Crook County Fire and Rescue medics were dispatched shortly after 7 a.m. to the reported crash of two cars and a small SUV near milepost 7.5, close to the Alfalfa Market Road intersection, sheriff’s Sergeant Steve Hatcher said.

An investigation determined the SUV driver, a Prineville man, was heading east and left his lane of travel, traveling into the opposite lane and striking two oncoming cars driven by a Prineville man and woman.

The female driver was critically injured and flown by Air Link helicopter to St. Charles Bend, while the SUV driver was taken there by ambulance, the sergeant said.

The sheriff’s office also was assisted by Redmond Fire and Rescue, Oregon State Police and ODOT.

“CCSO would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the multitude of concerned citizens that stopped to assist the injured drivers and their occupants prior to our arrival,” Hatcher said in a news release.

“Please drive safely on our roadways, and always wear your seat belt,” the sergeant said, adding, “Several people’s lives were likely saved in this incident due to seat belts and air bags.”

While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, Hatcher said “alcohol or impairing substances are not believed to be involved.”

Arrest Made Following Assault and Standoff in Sunriver

Sunriver, March 14, 2024 - Alexander Eaton, a 32-year-old resident of Salem, was arrested on multiple charges after an incident that occurred at 3 Whistling Swan Lane in Sunriver.

The Sunriver Police Department (SRPD) and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) responded to reports of an unprovoked assault at approximately 1:43 p.m. Eaton allegedly struck the victim, causing significant injury, and threatened to kill them before fleeing into a nearby unoccupied residence.

In response, Deschutes County 911 issued "Shelter in Place" alerts to Sunriver residents around 2:39 p.m. Law enforcement personnel established a perimeter and urged the public to avoid the area while negotiations with Eaton were ongoing. Due to the seriousness of the situation, the Deschutes County SWAT team was called in to assist.

After seven hours of negotiations with no success, the SWAT team entered the residence and apprehended Eaton at approximately 8:52 p.m. He was subsequently charged with Burglary in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, and Criminal Trespass in the First Degree.

Eaton is currently being held at the Deschutes County Adult Jail. The Sunriver Police Department expressed gratitude to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for their swift response and assistance during the incident.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing, and further details may be released as they become available.

Redmond Police Seeking to Locate Suspect involved in Stabbing Downtown   

Redmond, OR – At approximately 4:55 pm, a shelter in place was recommended for the area of SW 5th and 6th between SW Evergreen Ave., and SW Cascade Ave. Redmond Police officers are attempting to locate a suspect involved in a stabbing.  A Hispanic male was found stabbed on SW 6th Street, and was transported to the hospital. The knife was located during the initial response. Officers and detectives will be in this area for an extended period investigating the crime. There are no other details at this time.  The shelter in place has been lifted, however the area should be avoided if possible. 

 ‘Determined to hurt me:’ Scary road rage incident begins on Crooked River Ranch, leads to Terrebonne man’s arrest

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore (KTVZ) -- A mother and her teen daughter were traveling from Crooked River Ranch to Bend early last week when they say they became victims of a frightening road rage incident that lasted for several miles and led to a Terrebonne man's arrest on DUII and other charges by Oregon State Police.

OSP said they arrested the drive for DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangering. According to their report, "The listed suspect was transported to the OSP Bend patrol office. where he refused to take a breath test. A search warrant was applied for blood evidence and granted. The listed suspect was later lodged in Deschutes County jail without further incident." They said he met jail release criteria.

"With my 15 year old daughter, I was I was petrified." Joanna Gange told NewsChannel 21 Thursday. "Not for myself, but for her. And when he stopped and got out of his vehicle, I feared for my life. I didn't know if he was armed. I didn't know if he was bringing a gun or a knife or anything. I just knew I needed to get out of there!”

Gange was on the way to Bend with her daughter the evening of Monday, March 4 when she found herself in a nightmare driving situation. She says after passing a vehicle on NW Lower Bridge Road, she was harassed by the driver, and ultimately he ran her off the road more than once, pushing her into oncoming traffic. 

Gange said it began after she legally passed the truck that "was all over the road. … He sped up and got on my tail, flashing his high-beams all the way off the ranch," then passed her and slowed to 25-35 mph, more than once, back and forth.

"When I attempted to pass him, he ran me off the road several times," she said, and at one point got out and ran toward her car. The incident continued on Highway 97 through Terrebonne, with him passing her and slowing yet again, as she was transfered from Jefferson to Deschutes County dispatchers and begged them to send help as soon as possible.

Troopers said they received the report around 5:30 p.m. that day of a reckless driver on Lower Bridge Road, with two witnesses saying the driver, later identified as a 60-year-old Terrebonne man, nearly causing a head-on collision.

Seth Sutherland, a witness to the road rage incident told us, “He proceeded to merge back on to the road, pushing them into oncoming traffic, head-on with myself. They almost went completely off the road, into the shoulder of the road, head-on with a power pole. Had I not have stepped on my brakes as fast as I did. they probably would have had either a head-on with the pole or myself.”

Sutherland said he saw Gange’s jeep barrel toward his pickup only 20-30 yards away and slammed on his brakes. The sudden stop damaged his equipment. 

OSP said the man was contacted at his home and "was found passed out in his driver's seat." He "was impaired to a perceptible degree," they said, and they arrested him on charges of DUII, reckless driving and four counts of reckless endangerment.

Gange said, “Sergeant Hansen told me, he's like -- this was a guy who was going to kill somebody. Maybe not intentionally, but he was so drunk that he was -- I don't know if he was completely unaware. I don't know. I just know that he was hell-bent on making me pay” for her initial pass of his pickup.

According to road rage statistics from the Journal of Consumer Research, the most prevalent road rage involves speeding, tailing, honking, and running a red light. The most common reason for road rage has to do with heavy traffic, but also can be exacerbated by other factors such as feeling stressed or tired. Oregon does not have a specific law against road rage, but there are numerous possible charges, depending on what transpires. 

Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said, “It's not illegal to yell at somebody. Those are free speech issues. But when you start to get into really reckless driving, that's more than just a traffic violation. It's more than just cutting someone off for tailgating. That's when it could constitute reckless driving.”

Bend PD advises drivers not to engage with those displaying signs of road rage. Don't make eye contact and do not yell back. Instead, call law enforcement and report the behavior. 

"Often what we see is that when the driver who is road raging discovers that you are pulling into the police station lobby parking lot, they're going to disengage and drive away, and that will defuse the situation," Miller said.

There is a difference between aggressive driving and road rage. Road rage is a criminal offense which includes intentional violent behavior toward other drivers. Aggressive driving is a traffic violation posing risk to other drivers.

Gange recalled her emotional state during the frightening incident: “I felt really trapped. I felt like this man is determined to hurt me.” 

Online court records show no formal charges have yet been filed against the suspect. NewsChannel 21 policy is not to name arrested persons until and unless formal charges are filed.

Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels, said criminal charges will be considered when the DA’s office receives the incident reports from OSP.

Think Wild seeking dedicated wildlife volunteers for busy spring, summer season - KTVZ

(Update: Adding video, interview) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital and conservation center, is seeking volunteers for a wide variety of opportunities during their upcoming busy season this spring and summer. Community members with all experience levels and availability are encouraged to sign up to help care for injured and orphaned

ktvz.com/community/community-billboard/2024/03/12/think-wild-seeking-dedicated-wildlife-volunteers-for-busy-spring-summer-season

 

 

Upcoming Events

What’s Up Central Oregon

March Madness

March Madness is an annual fundraiser for Stroke Awareness Oregon. It's also great fun for college basketball fans and there are prizes. Proceeds support our work educating about the causes and prevention of stroke and supporting stroke survivors and their families in their best possible life. Stroke is a brain attack and affects anyone of any age, race or social standing. It is the 4th leading cause of death in Oregon. One in 5 people will suffer a stroke.

Welcome to Stroke Awareness Oregon's March Madness Fundraiser!

Register by March 17th!

$10 Suggested Donation

$30 Total For Second Entry

Once your donation is complete, you will receive an email with further directions and the bracket link.  

Friday March 15th

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend @  Boneyard Pub Bend Fire Pipes & Drums & Yeates Academy of Irish Dance

Saturday March 16th

Ski For All @  Mount Bachelor 8:00PM - 8:00PM

Bend Fire Pipes & Drums St Paddy’s Day 2024 Pub Crawl @Downtown Bend Sat & Sun 4:00PM - 9:30PM

Sunday March 17th HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

St. Patrick’s Day Party! 757 Northeast Greenwood Avenue Come party with us for St.Patricks day! This is a party designed for the whole family to enjoy some time together! You’ll register for one of the three time sessions and then you get to decide how your two hours are spent. We will have snacks, arts and crafts, and of course swimming! Time Sessions: 9-11, 11:30-1:30, and 2-4 All Ages Welcome! Spots are limited so make sure to claim your families spot today!

2024 Prineville Paddy Pint Run Pioneer Park Prineville 12:00PM - 4:30PM

 

Enjoy local pubs around Bend and support HSCO's programs and services that serve people and animals in our community. Visit 14 local brew pubs with your friends and canine companion(s) and enjoy good vibes throughout March on the weekends.

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Please visit this Week’s Sponsors & Partners ⬇️

 

What color was originally associated with St. Patrick's Day before green became the dominant color?

A) Blue

B) Yellow

C) Red

D) White

Answer: A) Blue

Blue was the color traditionally associated with St. Patrick's Day before green became popular. The shift to green happened over time, influenced by various factors such as Ireland's lush green landscapes, the use of green in Irish flags and national symbols, and the association of green with the shamrock, a symbol strongly connected to St. Patrick and his teachings about the Holy Trinity.

In the early 17th century, blue was considered the color associated with St. Patrick, as it was featured on flags and depictions of the Order of St. Patrick, an order of knights established in 1783. However, as Ireland's national identity evolved and the color green became more closely linked with Irish nationalism and pride, it gradually replaced blue as the primary color of celebration for St. Patrick's Day.

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