Local News

Bend Police Officer Injured In Collision With Suspect

BEND, OR -- A Bend Police officer was hurt when a suspect crashed into his patrol car, Thursday afternoon. Oregon State Police are investigating the incident that started with a report of a suicidal man from Lake Oswego driving through the area. 

 

A Deschutes County deputy spotted Zenler Clairmont’s car, but the 19-year-old sped away from the attempted traffic stop. Bend PD, the Sheriff’s office and OSP chased Clairmont onto Second Street, off Butler Market, an area with no outlet. The man then drove through a fence, colliding with the K-9 officer’s patrol car. 


Clairmont was arrested, and is accused of Driving Under the Influence, Assault II, Criminal Mischief, Reckless Endangering and Reckless Driving. The investigation is ongoing and more charges could follow. The officer was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

 

UPDATE (12 p.m.): Bend Police identified the officer involved in Thursday's crash. Robert Pennock is a 12-year veteran of the department who has been with his K-9 partner "Ladybug" since March. Bend PD says Pennock was assisting with setting a perimeter and was not actively involved in the pursuit with Clairmont. 

 

Pennock is recovering from his injuries. Ladybug sustained a broken tail vertebrae and is recovering at home, which could take six to eight weeks. 

 

The pair has been deployed on 59 incidents involving Bend Police and other agencies, and have assisted in 34 arrests, seized nearly a pound and a half of meth, an ounce of heroin, numerous controlled pills and tablets, five guns and money. 

On Air Now

George Noorey
George Noorey
10:00pm - 12:00am
Coast to Coast

FlashAlert

KBND ON FACEBOOK

News Disclaimers