Raid on SW Bend home turns up stolen items

Police raided a southwest Bend home Friday and recovered items stolen from at least four Bend businesses last weekend, arresting one resident on various charges and charging two others with methamphetamine possession, officers said.

Earlier this week, officers responded to four businesses that were victims of criminal mischief and theft last weekend – Battery Systems, Western Roller Corp., Northwest Tile Supply and TAC Construction, said Cpl. Adam Juhnke.

Police investigators identified two suspects in the thefts, John Larue Miller, 31, and his wife, Nicole Jeanette Miller, 26, who live at 60928 Aspen Drive, Juhnke said.

Officers sought and received a search warrant, then raided the home around 10:30 a.m. Friday. The Millers and their two young children were there at the time, along with another resident, Quianna Renee Watson, 56, officers said.

A search of the home turned up stolen property from at least four Bend businesses. Juhnke said they also recovered a stolen power washer but have not yet determined its legal owner. Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia also were found in the home.

Information obtained during the raid also led officers to two other businesses that unknowingly purchased stolen items from the Millers, Superior Automotive Technologies and Bend Pawn and Trading, Juhnke said.

John Miller was jailed on numerous counts of theft, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle and meth possession. His bail was set at $51,000.

Nicole Miller was cited in lieu of custody on a meth possession charge, while Watson was charged with meth possession and jailed without bail on a parole violation charge.

The investigation is continuing, and more charges are expected, Juhnke said. Police also urged citizens to contact Bend police if they believe the Millers recently sold them any stolen property.

Anyone with information about the case was urged to contact police at (541) 693-6911.