UPDATE: ALL EVACUATION LEVELS DROPPED FOR RIVERVIEW FIRE IN LA PINE - 03/17/26

La Pine, Ore. – Fire crews have continued to make strong progress on the Riverview Fire in La Pine. Fire behavior has significantly moderated, and forward spread has stopped. As a result of improved conditions and ongoing suppression success, all evacuation levels have now been lifted.

The fire is currently estimated at 11.4 acres. No homes or structures have been lost or damaged. The fire remains under investigation.

At the time evacuation levels were lifted, the incident included:

• 131 structures previously in Level 3

• 232 structures previously in Level 1

The Temporary Evacuation Point at La Pine High School has been closed, and residents may return to their homes.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and fire personnel remind community members to continue exercising caution and to stay clear of active fire suppression areas.
 

Thankfully, no homes or structures were lost. The fire remains under investigation. 
 

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UPDATE: Fire Crews Make Progress On Riverview Fire In La Pine; Level 3 And Level 1 Evacuation Orders Remain In Place (Photo) - 03/17/26

La Pine, Ore. -- Fire behavior has moderated on the Riverview Fire near La Pine, and the spread of the fire has slowed. There is a large number of resources on scene. The Level 3 and Level 1 Evacuation Orders will remain in place until the winds die down and concerns about further spread of the fire subside. So far, no homes or structures have been lost or damaged. The fire remains under investigation. 

The Temporary Evacuation Point has been changed from the La Pine Senior Activity Center to La Pine High School. Residents who have evacuated their homes and need a temporary place to stay are encouraged to visit La Pine High School at 51633 Coach Road.

Current Evacuation Orders as of March 17th, 2026, 3:55 p.m.:

Level 3 (GO NOW) Evacuation notice is issued for Timber Lane Loop, Riverview Drive, Bridge Drive, and homes along the Little Deschutes River. This area is located north of Burgess Road and west of Huntington Road, east of Forest Road, and south of Elk Court and Deer Run Lane. 

Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! There is a danger in your area, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather belongings or to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.

Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation notice is issued for the neighborhood north of Burgess, east of Huntington Road, and west of Hwy 97. This includes Cagle Road, Railroad Street, Skidgel Road, Antler Lane, Doe Lane, Pine Drive, Pine Place, Ash Drive, Oak Drive, Elm Drive, Santa Barbara Drive, and Murry Drive. 

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the dangers in their area and monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property, and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date information.

• Current maps, including evacuation areas, can be found at: https://deschutes.org/emergency
• For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at www.centraloregonfire.org
• Make sure you are registered for Deschutes Alerts to receive evacuation and emergency alerts and warnings in your area by going to www.deschutesalerts.org

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The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Orders Level 3 And Level 1 Evacuation Notices Due To Wildfire Near La Pine - 03/17/26

La Pine, Ore. -- Due to wildfire activity in the La Pine area, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has issued the following evacuation notices:

Level 3 (GO NOW) Evacuation notice is issued for Timber Lane Loop, Riverview Drive, Bridge Drive, and homes along the Little Deschutes River. This area is located north of Burgess Road and west of Huntington Road, east of Forest Road, and south of Elk Court and Deer Run Lane. 

Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! There is a danger in your area, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather belongings or to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.

Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation notice is issued for the neighborhood north of Burgess, east of Huntington Road, and west of Hwy 97. This includes Cagle Road, Railroad Street, Skidgel Road, Antler Lane, Doe Lane, Pine Drive, Pine Place, Ash Drive, Oak Drive, Elm Drive, Santa Barbara Drive, and Murry Drive. 

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the dangers in their area and monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property, and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

The La Pine Activity Center has been established as a temporary evacuation point for people needing to evacuate. It's located at 16450 Victory Way in La Pine. 

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date information.

• Current maps, including evacuation areas, can be found at: https://deschutes.org/emergency
• For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at www.centraloregonfire.org
• Make sure you are registered for Deschutes Alerts to receive evacuation and emergency alerts and warnings in your area by going to www.deschutesalerts.org

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Announces 2026 Community Shred Event Schedule (Photo) - 03/17/26

Deschutes County, Ore. — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Republic Services, is pleased to announce the 2026 schedule for its free Community Shred Events. These events help residents protect their personal information, safely dispose of unwanted medications, and properly retire worn American flags.

Shredding services will be offered at the Sheriff’s Main Office in four locations:

• March 21^st – 63333 W Highway 20, Sheriff’s Main Office
• June 13^th – 51340 HWY 97, La Pine, Sheriff’s Office Substation
• July 18^th – 703 N Larch, Sisters, Sheriff’s Office Substation
• September 19^th – 1199 B Ave, Terrebonne, Terrebonne Community School

All events run from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., or until the shred truck is full.

This residential-only shred service is not intended for business or commercial use. Paper clips and staples may remain attached; however, plastic bags and three-ring binders cannot be accepted. Participants are asked to bring no more than four boxes of documents per household. Those with more than four boxes should contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263 for additional disposal options.

In addition to document shredding, each event will offer safe medication disposal. Accepted items include prescriptions, patches, ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples, and pet medications. Items not accepted include sharps, thermometers, inhalers, aerosols, or other pressurized containers.

Community members may also bring worn or tattered American flags for proper retirement. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted on-site and donated to a local food bank.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents, unwanted medications, and worn flags—all while supporting the local community.

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Deschutes Alerts Launches Outreach Effort To Update Contact Information For Subscribers With Additional Needs - 03/12/26

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Responds To Fatal Skiing Accident On Mt. Bachelor - 03/10/26

Mt. Bachelor, Ore. – On Monday, March 9, 2026, at 2:22 p.m., Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol was notified of an injured skier on the Wanoga Way Ski Trail at Mt. Bachelor. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Airlink were dispatched to assist.

Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol was first to arrive on scene and found the male skier without a pulse and not breathing. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts by Ski Patrol and Bend Fire medics, the skier was pronounced dead at 2:56 p.m.

The skier is identified as Nigel Barry Young, 65, of Portland, Oregon. Young had been skiing with three friends, who were ahead of him and did not witness the crash. Young was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, but deputies believe his injuries were not survivable.

The Wanoga Way Ski Trail is located on the eastside of Mt. Bachelor off the Cloudchaser Lift. It’s considered an intermediate ski trail.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with Mt. Bachelor staff to complete the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office thanks Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Airlink for their assistance.  

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Deputies With The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Arrest La Pine Man Suspected In Mother’s Homicide - 03/03/26

La Pine, Ore. -- On March 2, 2026, at 2:03 a.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested a La Pine man who reported involvement in the homicide of his mother at their shared residence on Woodstock Drive in La Pine.

Deputies first responded to suspicious circumstances at Gordy’s Truck Stop in La Pine. That’s where deputies contacted 25-year-old Gavaughn Bates, who was determined to be the suspect in the homicide of his mother.

Deputies then responded to the residence and found a deceased female identified as 56-year-old ErmaJean McGillicuddy of La Pine. They also learned that two juveniles were present during the incident and witnessed part of the altercation leading up to the homicide. The juveniles were safely removed from the residence and connected with support services.

Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office are now leading the investigation. 25-year-old Gavaughn Bates of La Pine was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the following charges:

• Murder
• Assault I (Aggravated)
• Strangulation – Assault Witnessed by a Child

There is no ongoing threat to the community. The case remains under investigation and has been referred to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

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Search & Rescue Volunteers With The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Respond To Numerous Calls Over The Weekend (Photo) - 03/02/26

Bend, Ore. - The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit responded to three separate calls over the weekend on Saturday, February 28.

At 2:57 p.m., SAR was dispatched to assist a stranded hiker on South Sister. The solo female hiker from Bend had camped at Devils Lake and began her ascent early that morning. She turned around below Lewis Glacier due to icy snow conditions and became stranded while attempting to descend. Three SAR volunteers reached the hiker quickly, thanks to Airlink transport, and then began escorting her toward Devils Lake. Four additional volunteers hiked up from Devils Lake with extra equipment. The hiker was uninjured and returned to her vehicle.

Another call came in at 4:00 p.m. to help an injured Nordic skier between Todd Lake and the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park. SAR was gathering resources to assist, but the Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, who had just completed their shifts on the mountain, were closer and used snowmobiles to locate the skier and safely transport them back to their vehicle at Dutchman Flat Sno-Park.

At 4:21 p.m., SAR was requested to assist Bend Fire & Rescue with an injured dirt bike rider from Bend who crashed on Ford Road, north of Pictograph Cave, and outside the China Hat closure boundary. Several SAR volunteers who had gathered earlier for the skier call were redirected and responded on ATVs. The male rider was located, transported to a paved area, and taken to the hospital by Bend Fire & Rescue.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks all SAR volunteers, Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, Airlink, and Bend Fire & Rescue for their efforts and cooperation. 

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Wanted Felony Suspect Following SWAT-Assisted Operation In Sunriver (Photo) - 02/25/26

Sunriver, Ore. -- On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 8:38 a.m., the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team arrested Bend resident Paul Alfred Akehurst, 40, in the Sunriver area without incident.

Akehurst was wanted on multiple active Deschutes County warrants, including two felony warrants for Criminal Driving While Suspended or Revoked, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Identity Theft. Deputies had also developed probable cause for additional charges, including Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Driving While Suspended or Revoked.

The arrest followed an ongoing investigation and recent incidents in which Akehurst fled from law enforcement in a vehicle and drove recklessly toward the public and responding deputies.

Akehurst surrendered without incident after deputies served him with a court-authorized warrant. He was arrested and lodged at Deschutes County Adult Jail on outstanding warrants.

Additional charges may be included pending further review. 

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Arrest Made In Series Of Stolen Vehicle And Burglary Cases Across Sisters, Redmond, And Bend (Photo) - 02/25/26

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Blake Mogan, 36, of Sisters, in connection with multiple stolen vehicle investigations spanning December 2025 through February 2026. The cases involved heavy equipment and other vehicles taken from locations throughout Sisters, Redmond, and Bend.

Deputies first encountered Mogan on December 9, 2025, when he was arrested in Redmond after operating a stolen construction loader taken from a nearby job site. Following that incident, law enforcement agencies in the region began investigating additional thefts with similar methods and patterns.

On February 17, 2026, deputies located an abandoned and heavily damaged Sisters School District Suburban on Buckhorn Road. Evidence recovered from the vehicle, along with onboard video footage, identified Mogan as the individual responsible for the unlawful entry into the school district’s transportation building and theft of the vehicle.

On February 23, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a stolen City of Sisters F450 crane truck. Deputies coordinated with partner agencies and located the vehicle on a forest road northwest of Sisters. Mogan was contacted and taken into custody without incident. During the investigation, deputies also recovered a stolen utility trailer associated with the case.

Throughout the interviews, Mogan admitted to involvement in multiple vehicle thefts, including prior incidents under investigation by the Sheriff's Office, the Bend Police Department, and the Black Butte Police Department.

Mogan was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on numerous charges, including:

• Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
• Burglary in the Second Degree
• Theft in the First Degree
• Criminal Mischief
• Criminal Trespass
• Driving While Suspended

Mogan also faces a parole violation detainer related to previous convictions. These cases remain under investigation, and additional charges from partner agencies may follow.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Sisters School District, City of Sisters Public Works, Black Butte Police Department, and the Bend Police Department for their continued partnership throughout these investigations.

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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office To Conduct Targeted Test Of Deschutes Alerts On Wednesday, February 25 (Photo) - 02/24/26

Bend, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management will conduct a targeted Deschutes Alerts test at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25. This annual reminder message will be sent to approximately 2,500 residents who have indicated in their Deschutes Alerts profile that they have additional needs, such as mobility challenges, dialysis requirements, or reliance on electrically powered medical equipment.

This is not a countywide test. Only a small subgroup of Deschutes Alerts users will receive the message. The purpose of this reminder is to encourage residents with additional needs to review and update their emergency notification information.

Key Details

• Date & Time: Wednesday, February 25 at 10:00 a.m
• Who Will Receive It: Residents who have identified additional needs in their Deschutes Alerts account
• Why It Matters: Keeping this information current helps emergency responders prioritize outreach during disasters when time allows

Need Help?

• A call center will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on February 25 at 541-550-4888 for assistance with Deschutes Alerts accounts, password help, and updates
• Before the test, residents can call 541-388-6501 for account assistance
• After 2:00 p.m. on February 25, calls to 541-550-4888 will automatically route to staff desks for follow-up

The next countywide Deschutes Alerts test is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, which will include all registered users (approximately 70,000 people).

For those who rely on electricity for medical equipment or refrigerated medications, it’s also a good idea to contact your power provider about emergency preparedness options:

• Central Electric Cooperative: 541-548-2144
• Midstate Electric Cooperative: 541-536-2126
• Pacific Power: 1-888-221-7070

Deschutes Alerts is a vital tool for keeping our community informed about all types of emergencies or alerts that impact neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, or daily life. Sign up today at deschutesalerts.org

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Juvenile Who Left Secure J Bar J Facility Without Permission Sunday Night Located And Arrested In Redmond - 02/23/26

Bend, Ore. – The 15-year-old male juvenile who left a secure J Bar J Youth Services facility on Sunday, February 22nd, was located and arrested Monday Afternoon. The Redmond Police Department responded to a call at Applebee’s in Redmond at 12:44 p.m. and took the juvenile into custody without incident.

The juvenile left the secure J Bar J Youth Services facility without authorization around 10:45 p.m. Sunday. The facility is located in the same building as Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice on Britta Street in north Bend. The juvenile was housed in a secure Behavior Rehabilitation Services program and was not permitted to leave the facility. He is on parole for aggravated assault with a weapon.

J Bar J Youth Services leases housing units from Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice but provides its own staffing and security. Participants are not free to leave and must complete a formal release process with their parole officer, including a 72-hour implementation plan. The juvenile did not initiate a release plan, and his parole officer issued an arrest warrant Sunday night for absconding.

Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office immediately began searching the area and issued a neighborhood alert to residents in the north Bend area to increase awareness and request assistance.

In accordance with Oregon law and standard practice, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office does not release the name or photograph of juveniles involved in juvenile proceedings.

The Sheriff’s Office thanks the Redmond Police Department for its assistance. 

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Deputies Searching For Juvenile Who Escaped From The Deschutes County Juvenile Detention Center - 02/23/26

Bend, Ore. -- At 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, a 15-year-old male juvenile escaped from the Deschutes County Juvenile Detention Center located on Britta Street in north Bend.

The juvenile is described as a mixed-race male, thin build, approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall, with dirty blonde curly hair and glasses. He was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

Upon learning of the escape, deputies immediately began searching the area and issued a neighborhood alert to residents in the north Bend area to increase awareness and request assistance. Law enforcement personnel are actively working to locate the juvenile.

If you see someone matching this description or have information about the juvenile’s whereabouts, call 9-1-1 immediately. In accordance with Oregon law and standard practice, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office does not release the name or photograph of juveniles involved in juvenile proceedings.

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Deputies With The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Eagle Crest Man After Multiple Attempts To Elude Law Enforcement (Photo) - 02/20/26

Eagle Crest, Ore. – On February 20, 2026, at 8:12 a.m., a deputy with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a passenger vehicle in the Sisters area after observing the driver operating aggressively, including brake-checking the deputy and driving over a roundabout. The driver failed to yield and continued through Sisters. Out of caution, the deputy did not pursue. The vehicle was last seen traveling west on Highway 20 past Black Butte.

The same vehicle was then observed returning to Sisters at 8:53 a.m. Deputies, assisted by Oregon State Police and the Black Butte Police Department, attempted another traffic stop. The driver fled east on Highway 20, prompting a pursuit. Deputies used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT), but the suspect regained control and sped away at a high rate of speed. The pursuit was terminated for public safety as the vehicle headed toward Tumalo and Bend.

At 11:07 a.m., a concerned citizen in the Eagle Crest area reported a vehicle following them, making them feel uncomfortable. Deputies responded and identified the vehicle as the same one from earlier. Multiple spike strips were successfully deployed, and a second PIT maneuver brought the vehicle to a stop on Eagle Crest Boulevard.

The driver, Doug R. Greaser, 54, of Eagle Crest, tried to walk away and resisted arrest but was taken into custody and transported to St. Charles-Bend for further evaluation. Greaser was arrested on the following charges:

• Felony Attempt to Elude (3 counts)
• Reckless Driving (3 counts)
• Multiple counts of Reckless Endangering
• Assault on a Police Officer

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks Oregon State Police, Black Butte Police Department, and the community for their assistance in safely resolving this incident.

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Deputies With The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Respond To Early Morning Break-in And Assault Between Bend And Sisters - 02/19/26

Bend, Ore. — At 6:17 a.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an attempted break-in and assault at a travel trailer located off Highway 20 between Bend and Sisters.

Deputies say 52-year-old Bradon Michael Planty attempted to force entry into a travel trailer where a couple is currently living on their own property while the house is for sale. The suspect allegedly broke a window, tried to get inside, and threatened to kill the couple. The male victim was able to call 9-1-1 for help.

During the confrontation, detectives say Planty used a knife and tried to gain entry, causing injuries to the female victim. She was then able to arm herself with her own knife in self-defense, but Planty gained possession of both knives and tried using them against her.  The female kept Planty from gaining entry for several minutes until deputies arrived.

Planty left the scene but was later located by deputies nearby. He resisted arrest and assaulted a peace officer before being taken into custody without further incident. The female victim was treated at the scene and declined transport to the hospital.

Planty was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the following charges:

• Assault 1 - Felony
• Assault 2 - Felony
• Assault on Public Safety Officer - Felony
• 2 Counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon - Felony
• Coercion - Felony
• Burglary 1
• Criminal Trespass 1 
• Menacing
• Criminal Mischief 1 (property damage)

Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues. 

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