Game Quest worker reports robbery at gunpoint

A worker at a Bend video game store told police early Monday that a man wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt bound and robbed him at gunpoint Sunday night, officers said.

Police responded to Game Quest at the Fred Meyer Shopping Center, 61535 Hwy. 97, around 4:20 a.m. Monday on a report of a robbery the previous night, said Lt. Paul Kansky.

The 42-year-old Bend man, Shawn Wallbaum, told officers a man had entered the store, pulled a gun and stole an undisclosed amount of cash around 7 p.m. Sunday, Kansky said.

The suspect concealed his face with a dark “hoodie” sweatshirt, the lieutenant said. Kansky said the suspect restricted Wallbaum’s movements by binding him with various items, declining to be more specific.

Eventually, the victim was able to free himself and report the robbery.

Wallbaum described the suspect as a white male, about 5-foot-8, and was wearing the dark hoodie and dark jeans.

“The investigation is continuing,” said Kansky. “We don’t have anybody in custody.”

Bend police say it’s a good reminder for the public to be aware of their surroundings.

“Certainly, there is always a risk to the public of armed robberies,” Kansky said. “We don’t have a lot of them in Bend or Central Oregon. (But) try to have multiple employees in the establishment as possible, have security if you work in a place with security.

“Don’t ever confront an armed robber, just give them whatever they are asking for.”

Wallbaum didn’t suffer any injuries, Kansky said.

So now, police are still trying to piece together what exactly happened.

“If anybody was in the area of Game Quest on Sunday night at approximately 6 and 9 in that Fred Meyer area and saw anything suspicious they can call,” Kansky said

Anyone with more information in the case was asked to contact Bend police through Deschutes County’s non-emergency dispatch number, (541) 693-6911.