DCSO: 2 inmates who stole quad, fled rescue ranch caught
(Updated: Sheriff’s captain’s comments; used quad to force their way through gate)
Two Deschutes County Jail inmates working at the sheriff’s office animal rescue facility southeast of Bend stole a four-wheeler and escaped late Wednesday morning, prompting a manhunt that caught one of the two men in less than an hour and the other a short time later.
Sheriff’s Captain Michael Shults said the men were due to be released soon, so their escape was unexpected.
“When something like this happens, we look over our protocols, we make sure we didn’t miss anything,” he said. “Also, we want to do things better the next time. So every time we have one of these, we learn a great deal of information on what we can do to avoid these type of things.”
The green quad with the word SHERIFF emblazoned on the side was taken by the pair shortly before noon at the “rescue ranch” on Rickard Road, deputies said. Sgt. William Bailey said they used the quad to force their way through the entrance gate and escape.
The two inmates were identified as Shawn McCallister, jailed on parole and probation violations on charges of reckless endangering, heroin possession, first-degree theft and criminal driving with a suspended license, and Christopher Turre, held on first- and second-degree criminal mischief charges.
“Both have them been out here at the rescue ranch, helping with the horses, and they really liked the work, because it’s part of giving back to the community,” Shults said. “So we’re a little shocked they would leave. … And that’s why we have an armed deputy with a radio, because we never know the mentality of these individuals when they are out in the community again.”
The sheriff’s office at first said they were last seen in the area of China Hat Road, heading toward Bend, and asked the public to report any sightings to 911.
By 12:30 p.m., Turre was found and taken into custody, and McAllister still was being sought on the quad in the area of Lava Butte, south of Bend.
The sheriff’s office tweeted around 12:40 p.m. that McCallister had abandoned the quad and fled on foot.
Law enforcement established a perimeter around the search area and he was found by around 1 p.m. in the lava fields near Lava Lands Visitor Center, sheriff’s Sgt. William Bailey said.
McCallister, 34, of the Redmond area, has a lengthy criminal record, including a 2015 conviction on fourth-degree assault charges
Turre, 30, of La Pine, is serving a 90-day jail term after an August conviction on DUII and fourth-degree assault charges, court records showed.
McCallister was due for release from jail Dec. 7 and Turre on Nov. 22.
The sheriff’s office said Oregon State Police and Bend and Sunriver police officers helped in the search. Air resources also were called in to help look for them.
