Bend police: teens accused of targeting people with airsoft guns at Old Mill District
Tracee Tuesday
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend police say several teenagers are facing consequences after an alleged incident involving airsoft-style weapons in one of the city’s busiest shopping and entertainment areas.
Officers say the incident happened late April 18 at the Old Mill District. According to police, a group of juveniles in a red lifted pickup truck allegedly shot airsoft or BB-style pellets at people in the area and sprayed a fire extinguisher.
The incident was reported the next morning, April 19, around 9:30 a.m., by Old Mill employees.
Police said in a statement to KTVZ News that officers have identified those involved.
“Officers have identified suspects involved. At least one of them has been trespassed for life from the Old Mill. Additional charges will be referred to juvenile justice,” the department said.
Yigitalp Uçan, a Bend chef, told KTVZ he and a friend were among those targeted.
He said the group drove by twice—first firing what he described as plastic pellets, then returning and spraying a white powdery substance.
“As they roll in, they started pulling a gun out of there… and then we just heard fully automatic… like shooting,” Uçan said. “It was all plastic or BB gun… it just hurt us for a second.”
Uçan also shared video with KTVZ News that he said shows the truck driving through the Old Mill District that night.
The Old Mill District told KTVZ it is reviewing security footage of the incident and will provide additional information when it becomes available.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be referred to the juvenile justice system.