Bend PD K-9 nabs 7-Eleven malt liquor robber

A transient threatened a 7-Eleven store clerk with a rock and took off with a 24-ounce malt liquor early Wednesday, prompting a search and apprehension of a 56-year-old transient, with the helpful bite of Bend police K-9 Haras, officers said.

Police responded about 12:40 a.m. to the reported robbery at the convenience store on the south side of Bend, at 1185 Southeast Third Street, said Sgt. Elizabeth Lawrence.

It was reported a man had taken a 24-ounce 211 Steel Reserve malt liquor and threatened the store clerk with a rock, Lawrence said. The clerk was not hurt.

Officers reviewed video surveillance and confirmed the robbery, as a perimeter was set around the store and the police dog was deployed to search the area.

The suspect, identified as Andrew Alex Salazar, was found hiding behind a Dumpster, inside a fenced storage area behind the nearby McDonald’s, Lawrence said.

Salazar refused to comply with police commands, she said, and was apprehended by Haras, sustaining minor injuries.

Salazar first was taken to St. Charles Bend for treatment, then to the Deschutes County Jail, where he was lodged on charges of second-degree robbery, interfering with a police officer and third-degree theft.

His bail totaled $21,000, pending an initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon, jail records showed.