Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

Emergency Messages as of 12:38 AM, Sun. Dec 7

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Deschutes County Sheriff's Office.

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Bend Woman Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash On Johnson Road Northwest Of Bend - 12/05/25

 

Bend, Ore. – On December 4, 2025, at 8:23 p.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Johnson Road between Tyler Road and Tamoli Lane, northwest of Bend. Callers reported a vehicle had left the roadway, struck a tree, and caught on fire. 

 

Deputies and Bend Fire & Rescue arrived and located a black 2022 Honda Passport with a single occupant. The driver, 43-year-old Bend resident Jennifer Lynn Simmons, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was the only person in the car.

 

Preliminary investigation indicates speed appears to have been a contributing factor. The crash remains under investigation. 

 

Johnson Road was closed for approximately three hours while first responders secured the area and conducted the on-scene investigation. 

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks Bend Fire & Rescue and Deschutes County Public Works for their assistance with this crash.

 

###

 

Bend Woman Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash On Johnson Road Northwest Of Bend - 12/05/25

 

Bend, Ore. – On December 4, 2025, at 8:23 p.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Johnson Road between Tyler Road and Tamoli Lane, northwest of Bend. Callers reported a vehicle had left the roadway, struck a tree, and caught on fire. 

 

Deputies and Bend Fire & Rescue arrived and located a black 2022 Honda Passport with a single occupant. The driver, 43-year-old Bend resident Jennifer Lynn Simmons, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was the only person in the car.

 

Preliminary investigation indicates speed appears to have been a contributing factor. The crash remains under investigation. 

 

Johnson Road was closed for approximately three hours while first responders secured the area and conducted the on-scene investigation. 

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks Bend Fire & Rescue and Deschutes County Public Works for their assistance with this crash.

 

###

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Actively Searching For Felony Suspect Who Fled Early-Morning Rollover Crash Near Terrebonne (Photo) - 12/04/25

 

Terrebonne, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a suspect who fled the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash early this morning in the area of Odem Avenue South of Terrebonne. The crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. next to the Alpaca Ranch property, where deputies located a female who was injured and trapped inside the vehicle.

 

Deputies have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Trent Michael Conley of Washington State. Conley is wanted on a nationwide felony assault warrant and is facing additional charges from this incident, including Kidnapping I, Rape I, Assault II, Strangulation, Felony Hit and Run, Misdemeanor Hit and Run, Reckless Endangering, and Reckless Driving. 

 

Conley is believed to still be in the area and may be armed and dangerous. A K-9 unit and multiple deputies are actively searching the surrounding neighborhoods and properties. 

 

Residents in the area are asked to remain alert. Do not approach or attempt to contact Conley. Anyone who sees him should immediately call 911. 

 

This investigation remains active. Additional updates will be released as new information becomes available. 

 

###

 

 

Attached Media Files: Conley1.PNG, Conley2.JPEG,

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Actively Searching For Felony Suspect Who Fled Early-Morning Rollover Crash Near Terrebonne (Photo) - 12/04/25

 

Terrebonne, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a suspect who fled the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash early this morning in the area of Odem Avenue South of Terrebonne. The crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. next to the Alpaca Ranch property, where deputies located a female who was injured and trapped inside the vehicle.

 

Deputies have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Trent Michael Conley of Washington State. Conley is wanted on a nationwide felony assault warrant and is facing additional charges from this incident, including Kidnapping I, Rape I, Assault II, Strangulation, Felony Hit and Run, Misdemeanor Hit and Run, Reckless Endangering, and Reckless Driving. 

 

Conley is believed to still be in the area and may be armed and dangerous. A K-9 unit and multiple deputies are actively searching the surrounding neighborhoods and properties. 

 

Residents in the area are asked to remain alert. Do not approach or attempt to contact Conley. Anyone who sees him should immediately call 911. 

 

This investigation remains active. Additional updates will be released as new information becomes available. 

 

###

 

 

Attached Media Files: Conley1.PNG, Conley2.JPEG,

UPDATE: Suspect Trent Michael Conley Arrested Following Manhunt In Terrebonne - 12/04/25

 

Terrebonne, Ore. – At 7:50 a.m., Trent Michael Conley was arrested and taken into custody by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Oregon State Police, and other agencies. There is no longer a threat to the community. 

 

A large law enforcement presence remains in the area east of Highway 97 near NW Galloway Avenue as the investigation continues. Residents may see deputies and investigators in the area for several hours. 

 

We thank the community for their vigilance and cooperation during this incident. 

 

###

 

UPDATE: Suspect Trent Michael Conley Arrested Following Manhunt In Terrebonne - 12/04/25

 

Terrebonne, Ore. – At 7:50 a.m., Trent Michael Conley was arrested and taken into custody by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Oregon State Police, and other agencies. There is no longer a threat to the community. 

 

A large law enforcement presence remains in the area east of Highway 97 near NW Galloway Avenue as the investigation continues. Residents may see deputies and investigators in the area for several hours. 

 

We thank the community for their vigilance and cooperation during this incident. 

 

###

 

Washington Man Arrested By The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office For Online Child Exploitation - 11/25/25

DATE CORRECTION: Arrest occurred on November 24, 2025

 

 

Redmond, OR – On November 24, 2025, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Daniel James Mayfield, 33, of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, following a long-term investigation into online child exploitation.

 

Mayfield was taken into custody on the following charges:

  • Luring a Minor
  • Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree
  • Attempted Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree

 

The investigation revealed that Mayfield believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old female and traveled to Deschutes County with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the minor.

 

Detectives and Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office, Digital Forensics Unit, SWAT Team, and the U.S. Marshals Service contacted Mayfield at a location off Rimrock Way in Redmond, Oregon, where he had arranged to meet the juvenile. A subsequent search of the scene uncovered additional evidence.

 

Mayfield was arrested and taken into custody without incident and lodged in the Deschutes County Adult Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.

 

###

 

 

 

Washington Man Arrested By The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office For Online Child Exploitation - 11/25/25

DATE CORRECTION: Arrest occurred on November 24, 2025

 

 

Redmond, OR – On November 24, 2025, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Daniel James Mayfield, 33, of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, following a long-term investigation into online child exploitation.

 

Mayfield was taken into custody on the following charges:

  • Luring a Minor
  • Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree
  • Attempted Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree

 

The investigation revealed that Mayfield believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old female and traveled to Deschutes County with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the minor.

 

Detectives and Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office, Digital Forensics Unit, SWAT Team, and the U.S. Marshals Service contacted Mayfield at a location off Rimrock Way in Redmond, Oregon, where he had arranged to meet the juvenile. A subsequent search of the scene uncovered additional evidence.

 

Mayfield was arrested and taken into custody without incident and lodged in the Deschutes County Adult Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.

 

###

 

 

 

Redmond Man Arrested Following Early-Morning Domestic Dispute - 11/22/25

 

Redmond, Ore. — A 40-year-old Redmond man was arrested early this morning after a domestic dispute in the Ochoco Trailer Park off O’Neil Highway near Cinder Butte. 

 

The call came in at 2:53 a.m., and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded with assistance from the Redmond Police Department. Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to contact 40-year-old Alvaro Perez-Cazarez, but he refused to come out and barricaded himself inside the home.

 

The Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team was called in, and several nearby homes were evacuated out of caution. After repeated attempts to negotiate with Perez-Cazarez, he finally surrendered to deputies. He was arrested and taken to the Deschutes County Jail. 

 

Perez-Cazarez was booked on the following charges: 

  • Coercion 

  • Unlawful Use of a Weapon 

  • Menacing 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Redmond Police Department for their assistance and the residents of the Ochoco Trailer Park for their patience during this incident. 

 

###

 

Redmond Man Arrested Following Early-Morning Domestic Dispute - 11/22/25

 

Redmond, Ore. — A 40-year-old Redmond man was arrested early this morning after a domestic dispute in the Ochoco Trailer Park off O’Neil Highway near Cinder Butte. 

 

The call came in at 2:53 a.m., and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded with assistance from the Redmond Police Department. Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to contact 40-year-old Alvaro Perez-Cazarez, but he refused to come out and barricaded himself inside the home.

 

The Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team was called in, and several nearby homes were evacuated out of caution. After repeated attempts to negotiate with Perez-Cazarez, he finally surrendered to deputies. He was arrested and taken to the Deschutes County Jail. 

 

Perez-Cazarez was booked on the following charges: 

  • Coercion 

  • Unlawful Use of a Weapon 

  • Menacing 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Redmond Police Department for their assistance and the residents of the Ochoco Trailer Park for their patience during this incident. 

 

###

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Issues Public Safety Alert Around High School Bonfire Gatherings - 11/20/25

 

Deschutes County, OR — A growing number of high school bonfire parties across Deschutes County are leading to serious safety concerns, prompting the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office to issue a public warning ahead of Thanksgiving Break. These informal gatherings have escalated into events marked by violence, criminal activity, and unsafe conditions that are putting young people at risk.

 

These gatherings, often held on public lands during weekends and school breaks, have increasingly involved serious safety risks. Deputies have responded to multiple incidents in recent weeks, many of which could have lasting consequences for those involved.

 

“We care deeply about the safety and well-being of our youth,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office. “Our goal is not to punish, but to prevent harm. We want to work together with families, students, and the community to avoid a tragedy.”

 

Recent investigations have included reports of:

  • Physical assaults, including group altercations
  • Sexual assaults
  • Weapons offenses and firearms present at events
  • Property and vehicle damage
  • Attendance by adults well beyond high school age
  • Felony-level criminal activity
  • DUII & Minor in Possession (MIP)

These incidents have occurred in areas such as:

  • BLM land east of Redmond, especially at “The Brand”
  • Coyner Road area
  • Forest Service Land near Skyliners Road
  • McGrath Road and nearby locations
  • Mayfield Pond area

Some of these events have been recorded and shared on social media, further increasing the risk and visibility of unsafe behavior.

 

The Sheriff's Office is asking for the community’s help:

  • Parents: Talk with your teens about the risks of attending unsupervised parties. Stay engaged and informed about their plans, especially during school breaks.
  • Students: Know your safety matters. What may seem like a fun night can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Look out for one another and make wise choices.
  • Community members: If you see or hear about planned gatherings in remote areas, please report them to law enforcement.

“We understand that teens are looking for ways to connect and have fun,” said Carr. “But there have been too many close calls at these unsupervised parties. Our concern is real, and we’re asking for the community’s help to prevent teens from getting seriously hurt.”

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office will continue to monitor known gathering areas and respond to any calls or concerns from community members.

 

To report suspicious or concerning activity, please call the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911. Only Dial 911 in the case of an emergency.

 

###

 

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Issues Public Safety Alert Around High School Bonfire Gatherings - 11/20/25

 

Deschutes County, OR — A growing number of high school bonfire parties across Deschutes County are leading to serious safety concerns, prompting the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office to issue a public warning ahead of Thanksgiving Break. These informal gatherings have escalated into events marked by violence, criminal activity, and unsafe conditions that are putting young people at risk.

 

These gatherings, often held on public lands during weekends and school breaks, have increasingly involved serious safety risks. Deputies have responded to multiple incidents in recent weeks, many of which could have lasting consequences for those involved.

 

“We care deeply about the safety and well-being of our youth,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office. “Our goal is not to punish, but to prevent harm. We want to work together with families, students, and the community to avoid a tragedy.”

 

Recent investigations have included reports of:

  • Physical assaults, including group altercations
  • Sexual assaults
  • Weapons offenses and firearms present at events
  • Property and vehicle damage
  • Attendance by adults well beyond high school age
  • Felony-level criminal activity
  • DUII & Minor in Possession (MIP)

These incidents have occurred in areas such as:

  • BLM land east of Redmond, especially at “The Brand”
  • Coyner Road area
  • Forest Service Land near Skyliners Road
  • McGrath Road and nearby locations
  • Mayfield Pond area

Some of these events have been recorded and shared on social media, further increasing the risk and visibility of unsafe behavior.

 

The Sheriff's Office is asking for the community’s help:

  • Parents: Talk with your teens about the risks of attending unsupervised parties. Stay engaged and informed about their plans, especially during school breaks.
  • Students: Know your safety matters. What may seem like a fun night can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Look out for one another and make wise choices.
  • Community members: If you see or hear about planned gatherings in remote areas, please report them to law enforcement.

“We understand that teens are looking for ways to connect and have fun,” said Carr. “But there have been too many close calls at these unsupervised parties. Our concern is real, and we’re asking for the community’s help to prevent teens from getting seriously hurt.”

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office will continue to monitor known gathering areas and respond to any calls or concerns from community members.

 

To report suspicious or concerning activity, please call the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911. Only Dial 911 in the case of an emergency.

 

###

 

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Targets $50,000 Raised For 25th Annual Shop With A Cop Program (Photo) - 11/19/25

 

Bend, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is asking the community to help reach its $50,000 fundraising goal for the 25th Annual Shop with a Cop program. With just a few weeks to go before the event, $18,000 has been raised so far—and community support is critical to making this year’s program a success.

 

Shop with a Cop is a long-standing tradition that pairs local law enforcement officers with children in need of a special holiday shopping experience. Kids are nominated through local schools and community organizations, and together with law enforcement, they shop for warm clothing, school supplies, basic necessities, and a few holiday gifts. The program is entirely funded by donations—no tax dollars are used.

 

“This program is about meeting real needs and showing families that their community cares,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “We’re asking individuals, businesses, and organizations to help us reach our $50,000 goal so we can serve as many children as possible this holiday season.”

 

Recent contributions include $2,000 from the Elks BPOE RV’ers Club and $1,500 from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Posse, both of whom recently visited the Sheriff’s Office to present their donations in person. Shopping will take place on December 2nd at the Redmond Walmart, and on December 3rd and 4th at the Bend Walmart. 

 

Want to make a difference? Here’s how you can donate:

Donations Accepted Year-Round:

Although Shop with a Cop occurs in December, donations are welcome throughout the year. Every dollar helps provide essentials and holiday joy to children and families in Deschutes County. The Sheriff's Office would greatly appreciate your help making the 25th Anniversary of Shop with a Cop the most impactful yet. Your support can brighten a child’s holiday and make a lasting difference.

 

###

 

Attached Media Files: ElksBPOERVersClub.jpg, DCSOSheriffsOfficePosse.jpg, DeputyKarpstein.jpg, DeputyWestfall.jpg, LtErhardt.jpg, LTSpano.jpg,

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Targets $50,000 Raised For 25th Annual Shop With A Cop Program (Photo) - 11/19/25

 

Bend, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is asking the community to help reach its $50,000 fundraising goal for the 25th Annual Shop with a Cop program. With just a few weeks to go before the event, $18,000 has been raised so far—and community support is critical to making this year’s program a success.

 

Shop with a Cop is a long-standing tradition that pairs local law enforcement officers with children in need of a special holiday shopping experience. Kids are nominated through local schools and community organizations, and together with law enforcement, they shop for warm clothing, school supplies, basic necessities, and a few holiday gifts. The program is entirely funded by donations—no tax dollars are used.

 

“This program is about meeting real needs and showing families that their community cares,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “We’re asking individuals, businesses, and organizations to help us reach our $50,000 goal so we can serve as many children as possible this holiday season.”

 

Recent contributions include $2,000 from the Elks BPOE RV’ers Club and $1,500 from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Posse, both of whom recently visited the Sheriff’s Office to present their donations in person. Shopping will take place on December 2nd at the Redmond Walmart, and on December 3rd and 4th at the Bend Walmart. 

 

Want to make a difference? Here’s how you can donate:

Donations Accepted Year-Round:

Although Shop with a Cop occurs in December, donations are welcome throughout the year. Every dollar helps provide essentials and holiday joy to children and families in Deschutes County. The Sheriff's Office would greatly appreciate your help making the 25th Anniversary of Shop with a Cop the most impactful yet. Your support can brighten a child’s holiday and make a lasting difference.

 

###

 

Attached Media Files: ElksBPOERVersClub.jpg, DCSOSheriffsOfficePosse.jpg, DeputyKarpstein.jpg, DeputyWestfall.jpg, LtErhardt.jpg, LTSpano.jpg,

22-Year-Old La Pine Woman Arrested By The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office For Sexual Encounters With A Minor - 11/18/25

 

Bend, Ore. -- On Friday, November 14th, 2025, detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22-year-old Sierra Stigall of La Pine on charges involving sexual encounters with a minor.

 

These crimes occurred between May 2025 and July 2025. DCSO does not believe Stigall was employed by the Bend-La Pine School District during these events. However, Stigall was involved in coaching a U14 travelling baseball team in the La Pine area.

 

Based on the investigation and an interview with Stigall, she was lodged in the Deschutes County Jail on the following charges:

  • Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (X5)
  • Sodomy in the Second Degree (X2)
  • Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (X8)
  • Rape in the Second Degree (2)
  • Luring a Minor (X2)
  • Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree

 

Detectives with DCSO have no information concerning additional victims. If you or someone you know have concerns about Stigall having inappropriate contact with minors, please call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 633-6655 and ask for Detective Porter.

 

###

 

22-Year-Old La Pine Woman Arrested By The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office For Sexual Encounters With A Minor - 11/18/25

 

Bend, Ore. -- On Friday, November 14th, 2025, detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22-year-old Sierra Stigall of La Pine on charges involving sexual encounters with a minor.

 

These crimes occurred between May 2025 and July 2025. DCSO does not believe Stigall was employed by the Bend-La Pine School District during these events. However, Stigall was involved in coaching a U14 travelling baseball team in the La Pine area.

 

Based on the investigation and an interview with Stigall, she was lodged in the Deschutes County Jail on the following charges:

  • Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (X5)
  • Sodomy in the Second Degree (X2)
  • Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (X8)
  • Rape in the Second Degree (2)
  • Luring a Minor (X2)
  • Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree

 

Detectives with DCSO have no information concerning additional victims. If you or someone you know have concerns about Stigall having inappropriate contact with minors, please call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 633-6655 and ask for Detective Porter.

 

###

 

PORTLAND MAN SAMSON GARNER SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS IN PRISON FOR PLANNING MASS SHOOTING AT SMITH ROCK STATE PARK (Photo) - 11/10/25

 

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Deschutes County District Attorney's Office

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Steve Gunnels, District Attorney

541-771-6785

Stephen.Gunnels@dcda.us  

 

 

BEND, OR - On November 10, 2025, Deschutes County Judge Alison Emerson sentenced 41-year-old Portland resident Samson Garner to 30 years in prison for Attempted Murder and other charges related to the plan and actions that he took to carry out a mass shooting at an event at Smith Rock State Park in October of 2023.

 

Garner shared plans to show up at a climbing event to rampage through the event, shooting participants and spectators.  He was aware that a few hundred people would be attending. Garner also discussed his persistent thoughts about murder and vengeance and his desire to kill people and inflict intense feelings of shock and trauma on those who would watch but do nothing to help.

 

In August 2023, the day before the event was scheduled to begin, Garner drove from his residence in the Portland area, after a prolonged period of isolation in his house, to Deschutes County, where he was contacted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and taken into custody.  He was in possession of multiple firearms, body armor, and a large cache of ammunition. He had packed a tactical vest to capacity with ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds.  

 

“The conviction of Samson Garner is the result of outstanding investigative work and interagency collaboration that undoubtedly saved lives,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “Our Detectives Unit, with vital support from Patrol Deputies, worked closely with the Portland Police Bureau and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office to track Garner’s movements, gather critical evidence, and build a strong case that ensured justice was served. Their professionalism, diligence, and commitment to protecting our community reflect the very best of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and demonstrate the power of proactive policing and strong partnerships in preventing acts of violence.”

 

The Portland Police Bureau, which first received information about Garner’s threats, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office worked together and performed admirably to stop Garner from carrying out his plan. They took his threats seriously and prevented what would have been a catastrophic mass-casualty incident, had Garner’s plans played out.

 

“The diligent work by law enforcement prevented a horrific tragedy,” said Portland Police Chief Bob Day. “The remarkable professionalism and seamless coordination across law enforcement—from PPB patrol officers and detectives to our threat assessment team, behavioral health, and our partners at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office—ensured that nothing fell through the cracks. And it all began with a tip from the community who recognized that one individual could pose a significant danger.”

 

This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorneys Mary Anderson and Stacy Neil on behalf of the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office. After hearing testimony from dozens of witnesses and reviewing over 100 trial exhibits, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all 26 felony charges.

 

###

 

 

Attached Media Files: DAs Office.png, Badge.jpeg,

PORTLAND MAN SAMSON GARNER SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS IN PRISON FOR PLANNING MASS SHOOTING AT SMITH ROCK STATE PARK (Photo) - 11/10/25

 

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Deschutes County District Attorney's Office

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Steve Gunnels, District Attorney

541-771-6785

Stephen.Gunnels@dcda.us  

 

 

BEND, OR - On November 10, 2025, Deschutes County Judge Alison Emerson sentenced 41-year-old Portland resident Samson Garner to 30 years in prison for Attempted Murder and other charges related to the plan and actions that he took to carry out a mass shooting at an event at Smith Rock State Park in October of 2023.

 

Garner shared plans to show up at a climbing event to rampage through the event, shooting participants and spectators.  He was aware that a few hundred people would be attending. Garner also discussed his persistent thoughts about murder and vengeance and his desire to kill people and inflict intense feelings of shock and trauma on those who would watch but do nothing to help.

 

In August 2023, the day before the event was scheduled to begin, Garner drove from his residence in the Portland area, after a prolonged period of isolation in his house, to Deschutes County, where he was contacted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and taken into custody.  He was in possession of multiple firearms, body armor, and a large cache of ammunition. He had packed a tactical vest to capacity with ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds.  

 

“The conviction of Samson Garner is the result of outstanding investigative work and interagency collaboration that undoubtedly saved lives,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “Our Detectives Unit, with vital support from Patrol Deputies, worked closely with the Portland Police Bureau and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office to track Garner’s movements, gather critical evidence, and build a strong case that ensured justice was served. Their professionalism, diligence, and commitment to protecting our community reflect the very best of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and demonstrate the power of proactive policing and strong partnerships in preventing acts of violence.”

 

The Portland Police Bureau, which first received information about Garner’s threats, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office worked together and performed admirably to stop Garner from carrying out his plan. They took his threats seriously and prevented what would have been a catastrophic mass-casualty incident, had Garner’s plans played out.

 

“The diligent work by law enforcement prevented a horrific tragedy,” said Portland Police Chief Bob Day. “The remarkable professionalism and seamless coordination across law enforcement—from PPB patrol officers and detectives to our threat assessment team, behavioral health, and our partners at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office—ensured that nothing fell through the cracks. And it all began with a tip from the community who recognized that one individual could pose a significant danger.”

 

This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorneys Mary Anderson and Stacy Neil on behalf of the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office. After hearing testimony from dozens of witnesses and reviewing over 100 trial exhibits, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all 26 felony charges.

 

###

 

 

Attached Media Files: DAs Office.png, Badge.jpeg,