Month: November 2025

KTVZ

(Update: Suspect arraigned, judge sets bail at $515,000)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  A suspect in the Halloween night holdup at gunpoint of Sassy’s Cafe in Redmond has been arrested at his home in Crooked River Ranch, police said Tuesday.

Lt. April Huey said Douglas Richard York, 54, was arrested around 3 p.m. Monday by members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT).

“The arrest was made in connection with the robbery as well as for an outstanding warrant on an unrelated matter,” Huey said.

York was booked into the Deschutes County Jail in Bend on eight felony charges – first-degree robbery, first-degree theft, unlawful use of a weapon, three drug (fentanyl) possession and delivery charges and felon in possession of a firearm, along with a misdemeanor count of menacing.

Court records show York has a criminal history dating back to 1991. Most recently, he was charged in mid-October with a second-degree theft on July 13 of items worth $100 or more from the Redmond Walmart, and also charged with a theft of merchandise worth $1,000 or more from the same store 11 days later. A $10,000 warrant for York’s arrest was issued on October 31, just hours before the Redmond robbery.

York appeared by video from jail for Tuesday’s arraignment. Circuit Judge Alycia Sykora set York’s bail at over $500,000, as prosecutors requested, and set several conditions, including no contact with the victimized businesses, no illegal drugs or weapons and not to leave the state. He’s due back in court Dec. 16 for arraignment on an expected grand jury indictment.

Huey said, “RPD would like to thank the Redmond and Crooked River Ranch communities for their assistance during this investigation. RPD would also like to thank the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, CERT, Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation of this incident.”

Earlier story:

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ- November 2, 2025) KTVZ News has obtained exclusive security video of a masked gunman who robbed Sassy’s Cafe in downtown Redmond on Halloween night. We also spoke with a manager about the confrontation.

Officers responded shortly before 5 p.m. Friday to the report of an armed robbery at the NW Fifth Street restaurant, Lieutenant April Huey said earlier Monday in a news release, accompanied by a photo taken from the security video.

“The male suspect entered the cafe, displayed a black handgun and demanded money,” Huey said in a news release.

“The suspect left the business on foot and has yet to be identified,” she added.

Redmond Police released a surveillance photo Monday of the suspect in Friday’s armed robbery of Sassy’s Cafe.

No employees or customers were injured in the incident, according to police.

In the video obtained by KTVZ, you can see the suspect enter the cafe, flash a handgun in his waistband at a worker and demand money.

Night shift Manager Joe Costello told us: “He told me that he had ‘had a bad day.’ He threw a Crown Royal bag on the counter and, um, showed me his gun. It was underneath his, in his waistband.

The suspect was wearing a black ski mask, black hat and black pullover with an Adidas logo, along with blue jeans and Romeo-style boots, Huey said.

“Police are asking the public if anyone witnessed the incident or saw the suspect at Sassy’s on Friday at 4:50 a.m. to contact RPD,” Huey said. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Redmond Police through the non-emergency dispatch number, 541-693-6911.

Earlier story:

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – KTVZ has received multiple reports that Sassy’s, the cafe located inside the Cruise N Market and Deli in Redmond, was robbed this week.

Details on the incident remain limited. KTVZ has reached out to Sassy’s for comment, but staff have declined to speak at this time.

Redmond Police confirmed they were aware of the situation and said an official statement would be released. As of Sunday evening, that statement has not yet been issued.

This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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KTVZ

As thousands of Oregonians face delays in receiving their November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Farmers Market Fund (FMF) has launched an emergency program designed to keep healthy food accessible across the state. 

The new initiative, called Emergency Double Up Food Bucks, provides anyone with an Oregon Trail Card twenty dollars to spend on fresh, locally grown produce at more than 40 participating farmers markets and farm stands statewide. The funds can be used to buy items such as beans, mushrooms, herbs, and vegetable starts—no SNAP balance required. 

Farmers Market Fund Executive Director Rachael Ward says the effort is about more than just food access. “Even with the recent court ruling, thousands of Oregonians are going to experience a delay in receiving their November SNAP benefits,” Ward said. “We are rooting down to rise up and asking Oregonians to step up and support their neighbors, while supporting the small farmers and local economies that depend on SNAP.” 

Funding for Double Up Food Bucks used through regular SNAP transactions is provided by the Oregon Department of Human Services. The emergency version of the program—offering automatic $20 produce credits—is supported by private donors and FMF general funds. 

Locally, Rainshadow Organics in Sisters is participating in the program. A full list of markets and farm stands can be found at www.doubleuporegon.org. 

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Claire Elmer

(update: adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It’s been more than a month since 43-year-old James Herrera was found dead near Lake Simtustus in Jefferson County. His death has been ruled a homicide, but so far, no arrests have been made.

James’s family is now speaking publicly — sharing memories of his warmth, humor, and compassion, as they call for justice and answers.

Gabriela Vasquez, James’s sister, remembers her brother as someone who cared deeply for others, even when struggling himself.

“He was a very loving, caring person,” Gabriela said. “Even when he was at his lowest point, he still cared about so many people around him. He loved to bring a smile and a happy day to you, even if he wasn’t having a good day.”

Investigators say James’s body was found September 25th near the Pelton Dam area of Lake Simtustus. Redmond Police are leading the homicide investigation, with help from Jefferson County deputies and the FBI. Few details have been released, leaving loved ones desperate for updates.

His mother, Sherry Vasquez, shared a story that captures her son’s character — a memory passed along from a stranger who met James by chance.

“I met a lady once who said, ‘I’m really happy to meet the mom of James,’” Sherry recalled. “She told me, ‘My car was broken down. He jumped my car, and when he was done, he gave me the jumper cables and said, you’re gonna need this.’ That’s the kind of person my son was.”

James leaves behind two adult children and two young daughters, ages three and five. His partner, Elisha Sinclair, says their girls still pray for their dad and ask when he’s coming home.

“They don’t really understand,” Elisha said. “My three-year-old will say, ‘Can I just call my dad and have him come home now? I’m not mad at him anymore.’ It’s hard trying to explain that to little girls who miss their dad.”

Elisha said she’s heartbroken knowing their daughters will grow up without him at important moments ahead — from prom night to their wedding day. “Now my daughters don’t have their dad for those days when daddies are supposed to be there for their babies,” she said.

James’s family says they appreciate the condolences they’ve received from the community. Many attended his funeral and a memorial that also served as a birthday celebration for James. Yet despite the outpouring of love, the family says the silence surrounding the investigation has been painful.

“I’m not saying, give me names or tell me exactly when there’ll be arrests,” Sherry said. “I just want reassurance that you’re actively investigating this — because when we don’t hear anything, we start feeling like it’s being forgotten.”

Due to the nature of the case, little information has been shared to protect the integrity of the investigation. While expected, the lack of updates is anxiety-inducing for his loved ones.

Sister Jessica Gaskins says her brother’s death has shaken everyone who knew him. “It rocked the community. Nobody could believe it. Everybody loves James,” she said. “A big part of our family will never be the same.”

The family’s message is clear — they won’t stop speaking out until there’s accountability.

“None of us are going to be silent,” Gabriela said. “Nobody that loved him is going to sit down quietly and take what happened to him.”

As the Redmond Police investigation continues, James’s loved ones say they’ll keep raising their voices and telling his story — determined that his kindness, humor, and “pirate jokes,” as they fondly recall, will never be forgotten.

“Justice for James,” Elisha said. “He’ll live on forever — and we’re not going to stop until justice is served.”

Anyone with information about James Herrera’s death is asked to contact the Redmond Police Department.

As James was the primary provider for his family, a fundraiser has been set up to create a trust fund for his youngest daughters. You can find the link here.

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