Bend man arrested following gas station burglary, throwing Molotov cocktail at deputies

(Update: Adding video; adding photo, info that K-9 was uninjured)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Bend man has been arrested following an early Friday gas station burglary, followed by an attempted attack on law enforcement officers, police say.

Around 4:15 a.m., Bend Police responded to a report of an attempted burglary in progress at the Space Age gas station on Grandview Drive. Steven Earl Ramsey, a 55-year-old Bend resident, was allegedly inside of the gas station, "building Molotov cocktails and dousing the store with flammable products," officials say.

Deschutes County Sheriff's deputies also responded to the call. Upon arrival, Ramsey attempted to throw a Molotov cocktail at a DCSO deputy. DCSO K9 Vinnie was deployed and bit Ramsey.

Miller said Vinnie might have sustained minor injuries during the arrest. But Sheriff Kent van der Kamp later told KTVZ News he'd learned the dog was unhurt and is cleared for duty Friday evening.

Ramsey was taken to St. Charles Bend and then Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary, first-degree disorderly conduct, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree theft, reckless burning, and for a felony warrant.

Here's the full breakdown from police:

"At approximately 4:15 a.m. on Friday, June 6, Bend Police responded to a report of a burglary in progress at Space Age Fuel on Grandview Drive. The reporting party was watching the burglary on surveillance cameras, and reported the man inside was damaging property, building Molotov cocktails and dousing the store with flammable products.  

Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies also responded to the call, arriving on scene shortly before Bend officers to find a shattered front door. The man in the store, identified as Steven Earl Ramsey, lit one of his makeshift Molotov cocktails and threw it at a deputy, lighting the store’s rug on fire. He attempted to light a second Molotov cocktail and to light the floor on fire as well. Deputies deployed K9 Vinnie, and K9 Vinnie bit Ramsey. Ramsey eventually complied and was taken into custody.  

Damage to the store is estimated at between $11,000 and $15,000.  

Bend Fire responded to evaluate Ramsey and to ensure there was no longer a threat of fire at the gas station. Ramsey was transported to St. Charles Bend and then to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary, first-degree disorderly conduct, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree theft, reckless burning, and for a felony warrant.  

K9 Vinnie sustained minor injuries during the arrest. Bend Police thanks Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Bend Fire & Rescue for their assistance on this case."

Claire Elmer is continuing to investigate the situation and will include updates as we receive them.