BEND, OR -- Three Portland-area teens were arrested Thursday in northeast Bend. Police say they were driving a stolen car when they left the scene of a crash and led officers on a brief foot chase.
The hit and run was reported at about 11:40 a.m., at the Chevron on N. Highway 97. About 15 minutes later, officers spotted the suspect vehicle in a parking lot at Third and Greenwood. As police tried to stop the car near Fourth and Irving, all three teens ran from the vehicle, which continued forward and hit a parked trailer on Irving. The suspects split up and a chase ensued. Marshall High School was placed in a brief "lockout" while officers searched for the suspects, as a precaution.
A 13- and 14-year-old boy from Portland were eventually apprehended, along with 18-year-old Tajai Malik Carter, from Happy Valley (pictured). The youngest suspect was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Attempting to Elude and Possession of Marijuana. The other minor was arrested for a Probation Violation Warrant, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Attempt to Elude, Hit and Run and Criminal Mischief. Carter faces similar charges, as well as Reckless Endangering and an outstanding Theft II Warrant.
Inside the stolen SUV, investigators found a large amount of property allegedly taken from several stores around the north end of Bend and a laptop tied to a Wednesday night theft in Sherwood. Police say other items tie the three to a Thursday morning car prowl in the parking lot of the Bend JC Penney. Anyone who had their vehicle entered during the early hours of October 12 is asked to call 541-693-6911.
