Bend Gas Station Held Up; Robber Escapes

Bend police called to a report of a N. Highway 97 motel robbery Tuesday night learned instead that the gas station next door had been held up by a man with a gun, who eluded an extensive police search of the area.

Officers were dispatched about 10:05 p.m. to the report of a robbery at the Sugarloaf Mtn. Motel, said Sgt. Nick Parker. But they arrived to learn it actually took place at the Conoco gas station directly in front of the hotel, at 62980 N. Highway 97, he said.

The 23-year-old male gas attendant told police he was in the gas pump office when a man broke the glass door leading into the office, Parker said.

The suspect then demanded money while brandishing a gun, taking an undisclosed amount of cash and running away, the sergeant said. The employee was unhurt, he added.

The suspect was described only as a white male adult, about 6 feet tall, with a thin build and brown hair.

A search perimeter was set around the gas station, and a Deschutes County sheriff?s K-9 was brought in to conduct a search, Parker said.

Several people in the area were contacted, but as of early Wednesday, Parker said the suspect had not been identified or found by searchers.

Along with the sheriff?s office, Oregon State Police assisted in the extensive search and perimeter, Parker said.

Anyone with information to help in the investigation was asked to contact Bend police through county 911 dispatchers at (541) 693-6911.