Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Police released a security photo Monday in hopes the public can help them catch a masked gunman who robbed Sassy’s Cafe on Halloween night.

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.

“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.

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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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — The Old Mill District was buzzing with Halloween excitement Friday evening as pets of all shapes, sizes, and species took center stage for the annual Halloween Pet Costume Contest. Hosted by the Humane Society of Central Oregon, the event turned Center Plaza by the walking bridge into a festive parade of paws and creativity.

From 4 to 7 PM, families, friends, and their furry companions showed off their Halloween spirit with costumes that ranged from spooky to downright silly. Cats, dogs, and even a few more unusual pets strutted the plaza runway, drawing laughs and cheers from the crowd.

The contest’s top prize went to a family of four and their enthusiastic dog for their themed group entry titled “The Wagon Train.” Their clever collaboration rolled into first place, earning them Old Mill District Gift Cards and plenty of applause from spectators.

While the costume contest was the highlight of the evening, it was part of a larger district-wide celebration. Trick-or-treating at local shops, Halloween-themed art projects, and the popular “witches’ paddle” on the Deschutes River added even more magic to the night.

With costumes, candy, and a whole lot of wagging tails, the Old Mill District once again proved that Halloween fun in Bend isn’t just for humans.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bend Police were called to assist the Oregon State Police on Saturday evening following what began as a routine traffic stop near the Safeway parking lot on Northeast 3rd Street.

According to initial reports, once the vehicle—a van—was stopped, something significant occurred inside that prompted state troopers to request immediate backup from Bend Police. Details about what led to the escalation have not yet been released.

Officers from both agencies responded quickly to the scene. At this time, authorities have not confirmed whether anyone was injured or taken into custody.

This is a developing story. We’ll continue to update this article as more information becomes available from law enforcement.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  Families were supposed to receive their SNAP benefits for the month of November on Saturday. However they have not received it due to the on going and seemingly never-ending government shutdown.

This has put a strain on resources not just for families who receive benefits but on local food banks and pantries who give food to those in need.

KTVZ News spoke with St. Vincent de Paul of Crook County President Rita Mclean Malone who is concerned.

“I called the gal who is usually at the welcome desk this morning and she said before September, an average per week for people signing up for a food box for supplemental food that was maybe 1 or 2 a week in this past week or through October. September and October, it’s averaged 8 or 10 people per week,” Malone told KTVZ. “It has been slammed. we have been slammed for most of each day.”

According to U.S. Census Bureau Data, in 2023 Crook County had 14.9% of residents received SNAP benefits. 8.8% of Deschuttes County and a whopping 26% of Jefferson County received SNAP benefits as well. Organizations across the state have stepped up to help those in need.

Malone told KTVZ, “We have several groceries through grocery stores in Prineville and one in Bend. I think it’s three times a week our guys go over and pick up. Those stores are Wagners in Prineville, Ray’s in Prineville, and the Thrift way on third street. Trader Joe’s has been very generous to us as well.”

The government shutdown has put a strain on industries all across the country, but Malone told KTVZ, she is grateful for all the support from all across Central Oregon.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. KTVZ) — The Oregon Court of Appeals has reversed and remanded the manslaughter conviction of Ian Cranston in the September 2021 shooting death of Barry Washington Jr. in downtown Bend, due to a special instruction related to self-defense that was not given to the jury.

Cranston was sentenced to 10 years in prison after the jury reached its verdict in the fall of 2022.

He is currently incarcerated at the Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario, his defense attorney, Kevin Sali of Portland, told KTVZ News.

The key issue in the court’s 11-page ruling filed Wednesday on Cranston’s appeal was a special jury instruction that his defense attorneys had sought, but which was not given to the jury by Deschutes County Circuit Judge Beth Bagley.

“Defendant argues that the trial court erred when it refused to use his special jury instruction regarding the absence of a duty to retreat under Oregon self-defense law. We agree with defendant that, on this record, the trial court erred by not instructing the jury to that effect. Because the error was not harmless, we reverse and remand” the case to Deschutes County.

The court said the instruction “reads: ‘Oregon law does not impose a duty to retreat before a person can use deadly force in self-defense or in defense of another person.’ That is an accurate statement of the law. … There are no ‘additional requirement[s],’ such as a duty to retreat, before using deadly force in self-defense or defense of others; there are only the requirements imposed by the plain text of the self-defense statutes.”

“In the end, we look to the state’s arguments, evidence, and jury instructions as a whole—in the light most favorable to defendant—and conclude that the special instruction was required as a matter of law,” the court said.

Defense attorney Sali provided this statement to KTVZ News Friday, in reaction to the court ruling:

“We have always believed that a jury given correct instructions about the law of self-defense would find that Ian’s actions were fully lawful and justified. We are grateful to the Court of Appeals for recognizing that the jury in the first trial was not instructed properly, and we expect that in the second trial there will be no doubt about Ian’s innocence.”

District Attorney Steve Gunnels also spoke with us about where things stand and what happens from here.

“Currently, the Oregon Department of Justice is considering whether to petition the Oregon Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals decision,” Gunnels said. “We should know that within the next month.”

 After a two-week trial and more than six hours of deliberation, a jury acquitted Cranston on a second-degree murder charge, but found him guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter for firing the fatal shot — an act he testified was in self-defense, after being punched by Washington. He chose not to speak at his sentencing.

The Court of Appeals ruling came just days after a permanent memorial was unveiled in Washington’s honor on the downtown Bend street where the fatal shooting occurred.

Oregon Court of Appeals rulingDownload

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Redmond woman was killed and two people suffered minor injuries in a crash at the intersection of Highways 97 and 370 on Redmond’s north end, Oregon State Police said Friday.

OSP troopers responded around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday to the reported two-vehicle crash at the intersection.

OSP’s preliminary investigation found that Sheila Ann Nordman, 85, of Redmond, was heading west at the wheel of a Ford Escape when she tried to cross Highway 97 and drove into the path of a southbound BMW driven by a 21-year-old Terrebonne woman.

The driver of the BMW tried to stop, troopers said, but struck the Ford nearly head-on.

Nordman was declared dead after being taken to an area hospital, OSP said. The BMW driver and a 2-year-old girl in her car suffered reported minor injuries.

Traffic at the intersection was affected for about an hour by the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Redmond Fire and Rescue, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department, and ODOT.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Redmond has announced that the final segment of the reconstructed SW Reservoir Drive, from SW 43rd Street to SW 39th Street, reopened on Wednesday, wrapping up a two-year, $6.6 million project.

The full project corridor, extending from SW Helmholtz Way to SW 35th Street, has been upgraded to improve safety, mobility, and utility service reliability for all users, the city said in Friday’s news release, which continues in full below.

Phase 1 construction began in October 2023, covering the segment from SW Helmholtz Way to SW 43rd Street, and was completed in late 2024.  The second, final phase began last spring, focusing on the segment between SW 43rd Street and SW 39th Street, and included several major improvements: 

Roadway widening along SW Reservoir Drive, including the addition of dedicated bike lanes 

New sidewalks and ADA ramps to improve pedestrian access and connectivity 

Installation of underground utilities, including sewer, water, and stormwater facilities 

Other improvements included new sidewalk connections along Umatilla Avenue and the removal of a private water main, with affected residents transitioning to the city’s water system for improved efficiency. 

The city collaborated closely with the project’s design engineer and contractor, Taylor Northwest, during the winter of 2024–2025 to reassess and refine the roadway design. This partnership helped eliminate the need for major retaining walls and resulted in an updated roadway profile that enhances safety, drainage, and long-term maintainability.

The city extends its appreciation to Taylor Northwest for their flexibility and commitment to the success of this project. 

The total project cost of this infrastructure investment under the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) was approximately $6.6 million. For a detailed description of all the improvements completed, visit the project website at www.redmondoregon.gov/reservoirdrive. 

The City of Redmond said it would also like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation throughout the duration. Public understanding and support were essential in completing this important infrastructure improvement project. 

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