Armed Subject on Santiam Pass & Death Investigation

Oregon State Police (OSP), with the assistance of Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and Bend Police Department, are investigating the death of an adult male following a standoff during a stop along Highway 20. The man was stopped following a report from an outside agency that he was suicidal and armed.

On August 16, 2014 at approximately 8:40 p.m., OSP and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) were notified that a black sport utility vehicle occupied by an armed, suicidal man was traveling eastbound on Highway 20 in the Santiam Pass area. About 15 minutes later, an OSP sergeant spotted the vehicle and followed it while other officers from OSP and DCSO were moving into position east of Sisters to assist with stopping the vehicle.

The vehicle sped up to 90 - 100 mph before finally stopping at approximately 9:06 p.m. near milepost 11. The driver failed to comply with any commands as additional law enforcement resources including OSP SWAT personnel, a Bend PD negotiator, and a Bend PD armored vehicle responded to the scene. Law enforcement officers closed the highway in both directions as they worked to safely resolve the situation.

At approximately 10:10 p.m., officers were able to check the vehicle and found the lone occupant deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Deschutes County Medical Examiner has been contacted to respond. No other information for release at this time.