Driver crashes through sheriff’s office gate
Published 5:11 pm Sunday, April 20, 2025
A Bend man was arrested Saturday night after driving a truck through a security gate at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at high speed, then crashing into a concrete block wall, according to police.
Thomas Lee Downs, 38, was jailed on suspicion of reckless driving, criminal mischief and a parole violation.
A 10:45 p.m. Saturday, a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office sergeant noticed that the vehicle entrance gate at the secured parking lot of the sheriff’s office main office in Bend was damaged, and a black truck was crashed into the wall with music blaring, according to a release form the sheriff’s office.
Oregon State Police investigated and arrested the driver, Downs.
The sheriff’s office estimated the damage caused by the incident at $80,000.