Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

(UPDATE: Vandenberg caught and arrested)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has located and arrested Don Henry Vandenberg Jr. on potential charges relating to the December 31st shooting that killed Justin Garrett Jiminez.

Vandenberg was located on a property in Crooked River Ranch north of Redmond. He peacefully surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

Read the full press release below:

Crooked River Ranch, Ore. — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested the person of interest wanted in connection with the December 31 homicide that occurred in the Dirt World area of Redmond near NE Greenwood Avenue and NE 17th Street. 

On Friday, January 2, at 3:41 p.m., Sheriff’s Office Detectives and SWAT Team located Don Henry Vandenberg Jr., 51, at a property in Crooked River Ranch north of Redmond. Vandenberg, Jr., peacefully surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. 

Detectives are working with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office on potential criminal charges related to the death of Justin Garrett Jiminez, who was found dead from a gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered at the scene.   

Vandenberg, Jr., was lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on an active parole warrant. 

The investigation is ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone with information related to Jiminez’s death to contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch number at (541) 693-6911. 

The United States Marshals Service assisted with the arrest of Vandenberg, Jr. The Sheriff’s Office thanks them for their support.

Redmond, Ore. (KTVZ) — A homicide in Redmond leaves 32-year-old Justin Garrett Jiminez dead from a gunshot wound.

Deputies resonded to reports of a gunshot near NE Greenwood Avenue and NE 17th Street in Redmond at 5:57 a.m., on December 31st.

A person of interest has been identified as 51-year-old Don Henry Vandenberg JR. Also known as “Tank”

Vandenberg is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach him. If you see him or know where he is, call 911 immediately. 

Read the full Press Release below:

Redmond, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help finding a person of interest in connection with a homicide in Redmond. 

On December 31 at 5:57 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a gunshot victim near NE Greenwood Avenue and NE 17th Street, an area known locally as “Redmond Dirt World.”  

When deputies arrived, they found 32-year-old Justin Garrett Jiminez, who had died from a gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered at the scene. The victim’s family has been notified.  

The person of interest has been identified as 51-year-old Don Henry Vandenberg, Jr. Detectives say he goes by the nickname “Tank.” He’s described as a white male, 5’7”, about 160 pounds, bald, with facial hair, and covered in tattoos. 

Notable tattoos include:  

“Fit for Duty” on his chest 

“Tank” on his upper abdomen 

Ace of Spades on his upper left arm 

Image on the back of his neck 

“EK” on his right calf 

Additional tattoos on his forearms 

Vandenberg is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach him. If you see him or know where he is, call 911 immediately. 

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Triton Notary

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– As holiday shoppers exchange and purchase gift cards this season, Oregon’s top consumer watchdog is urging everyone to be on alert.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, along with attorneys general from 13 other states, has joined the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance to launch a series of public service announcements aimed at helping people spot scams before they lose money.

Here’s part of A.G. Rayfield’s PSA:”Here’s what you can do. Inspect packaging to ensure that its seal in the pin is covered. Only check balances at the official retailer’s site. Never pay a debt or claim a prize with a gift card and report gift card fraud to my office.”

The Attorney General’s Office says scammers who know a card’s PIN can track it online and drain the funds as soon as money is loaded. Some scammers also use emails, text messages, or fake websites to trick people into revealing gift card numbers.

Officials stress that government agencies and legitimate businesses will never demand payment via gift cards. Consumers should treat any request for “urgent” or “secret” transactions as red flags.

Oregon residents can find more resources and report suspected fraud through the Attorney General’s website or by visiting protectmygiftcard.com

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KTVZ – News Team

LAKE COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, along with other agencies across the state are increasing DUII patrols to target intoxicated drivers during the New Year’s holiday. The Office says their patrols will end on Thursday, January 1st.

Below is the full release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — If you’re thinking about ringing in the New Year at Mt. Bachelor, below is a look at the resort’s snow stake camera from 6:30 a.m. today.

As you can see, there’s not much snow at the resort, but that’s not stopping skiers and snowboarders from enjoying the start of the long-awaited season.

You can kick the evening festivities off with a candlelit ski or snowshoe adventure over at Nordic from 5 to 8 p.m. Plus, the Nordic Café will be serving up food and beverages and Nordic staff will tend to an on-snow bonfire. You can learn more at mtbachelor.com on the events page.

And, Hoodoo Ski Area says it will open for it’s annual New Year celebration tonight, but then close again until more snow arrives.

Hoodoo says it will only have the Easy Rider lift spinning on New Year’s Eve due to a lack of snow.

The lodge will stay open until Midnight with live music and a fireworks show. Click here to learn more.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding detailed information, video)

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new tool is now available in Crook County to help property owners protect themselves from real estate fraud, a crime experts say is increasing nationwide.

Property, or real estate, fraud can involve scammers forging deeds, filing fake mortgage documents, or transferring ownership of a property without the owner’s knowledge. In many cases, victims don’t realize what happened until they try to sell, refinance, or access their property records.

Experts say bare land, vacant homes and properties owned by seniors or out-of-state owners are among the most vulnerable. A survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that 83% of respondents believe electronic notification systems are the most effective way to fight property fraud.

The Crook County Clerk’s Office launched a free Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS) on Jan. 1, giving property owners an added layer of protection. The system sends same-day email alerts whenever a document is recorded under a monitored name, helping owners quickly identify suspicious activity.

Each alert includes a link to view the filing and instructions on how to obtain a copy of the document. Officials say the service doesn’t stop someone from filing paperwork, but provides an early warning so property owners can contact law enforcement or an attorney if something looks suspicious.

Property owners can sign up through the Crook County Clerk’s Office website and add the names they want monitored. Experts also recommend regularly checking property records, protecting personal information, and being cautious of unsolicited offers to buy property.

Earlier Story — December 30, 2025 — CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Crook County Clerk’s Office has announced a new tool to help property owners monitor their land records and alert them to potential fraud.

The Property Recording Alert Service, or PRAS, is a free system that sends automated email notifications whenever a new document is recorded under an enrolled name. Each alert includes a link to view the document details and information on how to obtain a copy of the record.

The clerk’s office says PRAS is designed to improve transparency, protect ownership, and provide early warnings if fraudulent documents are filed. The system offers same-day notifications, enhanced monitoring for accuracy, and more concise data in each alert.

Property owners can sign up through the Crook County Clerk’s Office.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Multiple Bend mothers say routine trips to Southeast Bend shopping centers have recently taken a disturbing turn, after an unknown man approached them in parking lots and began talking about their young daughters being trafficked.​

What began as casual, friendly comments allegedly escalated into statements about the girls being “very pretty” and likely to be trafficked, if their mothers did not “hold on to them.”​

Bend resident and mother Lauren Henderson says the encounter left her shaken. “He kept getting closer to me, and he followed me all the way to my car,” she recalled, adding that he repeatedly told her that her daughter was very pretty and would be trafficked.​

After more mothers came forward describing the same man, similar comments, and the same locations, they contacted law enforcement. The women say they were told that while the alleged behavior was unsettling and inappropriate, it did not meet the legal definition of a crime under current statutes.​

Legal experts and advocates note that many worrying encounters fall into a gray area: concerning enough to report and document, but not always chargeable as harassment, stalking, or another specific offense. Advocates still encourage people to make a report so patterns can be tracked over time.​

Anti-trafficking experts stress that trafficking is not the same as a sudden, stranger abduction in a parking lot. Cheryl Csiky, executive director of the Bend-based national nonprofit In Our Backyard — and a survivor of child sex trafficking herself — says most trafficking-related approaches do not look like a “grab and go” situation.​

“Most approaches from a trafficker or someone who’s looking to exploit someone will be friendly,” Csiky said. “Traffickers have a goal to get to know their victim first, to understand what their needs are, because that’s what they want to exploit.” Real trafficking cases are more likely to involve grooming, isolation and secrecy over time than a single public encounter, she added.​

Csiky says silence is one of the conditions that allows exploitation to continue in any community. She encourages parents and caregivers to trust their instincts when something feels off, even if they cannot fully explain why in the moment.​

“We don’t have to always be polite. Staying silent is what traffickers want,” she said. “When traffickers know that a town, a family, a child understands what human trafficking is, they’re less likely to target that person for any victimization.” In Our Backyard promotes local education and “linking arms” among parents, schools, law enforcement and service providers as a key prevention strategy.​

For Henderson, the encounter has reshaped how she moves through everyday routines like shopping and school drop-offs. “I have been locking my doors instantly as soon as we get into the car, more careful where I park… just so much more aware,” she said.​

Advocates emphasize that awareness, education, and community connection are more effective than fear alone. They encourage families to learn the signs of grooming and exploitation, talk openly with children at age-appropriate levels, and reach out to local organizations when they see something that doesn’t feel right—so concern can turn into action, rather than panic.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor announced it plans to start spinning Alpenglow today, December 29th.

Here’s a look at the resort’s snow stake from Monday morning at 7:40 a.m.:

Mt. Bachelor snow stake, 12/29/25 7:40 a.m.

While it may look like there isn’t much snow on the mountain, Sunrise Lodge with access to Cloudchaser, Early Riser, Rainbow and Sunrise lifts and Lava Tube Carpet welcomed skiers and snowboarders this weekend, doubling the current open terrain.

The resort said today will be partly cloudy with highs in the upper 30s and light to moderate winds. It expects to open Alpenglow for the season this morning, conditions permitting. Click here for the full mountain report.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Thump Coffee and Backporch Coffee Roasters will soon join forces.

The companies announced they will merge in 2026.

Thump says this merger isn’t about becoming something different, it’s about strengthening what both companies already care deeply about: craft, people, community, and the ability to make someone’s day a little better, one cup at a time.

“Your neighborhood Thump café stays your neighborhood Thump café. Your favorite drinks aren’t going anywhere. Nothing big is changing in your daily experience—and won’t for a long time,” Thump said in the announcement.

Over the past few years, both of the teams have been growing, side by side, sometimes on the same trail, often in the same community—and it became clear they were building toward the same thing.

Beginning January 1st, Thump and Backporch will officially join together as part of a long-term partnership often referred to as the Thump–Backporch Coffee merger, or TBC Thump Backporch Coffee.

Click here to learn more about the merger.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The iconic “Prince of Egypt” is coming to Central Oregon just in time for the new year.

The beloved movie is hitting the stage with iconic songs and a fun atmosphere.

They are going all out with a live orchestra, grand pyramids and pillars. all they’re missing are real frogs.

The shows will be on January 2nd-4th and 9th-11th at Ridgeview high school.

Tickets are $15

 For more information go to ovationpa.com.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) –Happy Trails Horse Rescue in Bend has earned global recognition for its work helping horses in need.The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries awarded Happy Trails full accreditation earlier this month.

The designation means the rescue meets rigorous animal care and management standards confirmed through an on-site inspection.

GFAS leaders praised the Happy Trails team for providing safe refuge for horses at risk and for supporting the community through education and outreach programs.

Happy Trails founder Dianne Scott says the process helped strengthen operations and reaffirm the group’s commitment to transparency and high-quality care.

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