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Police arrested a Bend man Tuesday on suspicion of drug crimes after chasing him near a hotel on NE 27th Street and U.S. Highway 20.

Justin Thomas Joseph Polit, 45, of Bend faces charges for unlawfully possessing and attempting to deliver methamphetamine and unlawfully possessing a firearm, according to a press release from Central Oregon Drug Enforcement.

Police first arrested Polit on April 5, 2023, on suspicion of making and selling cocaine, the release said. After that arrest, detectives learned Polit, who had been released from custody, continued to sell drugs in Central Oregon, police say. 

Following an investigation, police prepared to search Polit and his room at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson on Feb. 6, the release said. Police saw Polit leave the building and tried to contact him but he ran away. Police caught him after a short chase and arrested him.

Police seized from Polit methamphetamine and a frame of a homemade 3D-printed pistol that didn’t have a serial number, the release said. In his hotel room, police found packaging material, additional methamphetamine, a scale, cash, a dagger, and other “evidence” of drug sales that police did not disclose

Police booked Polit in the Deschutes County jail.