Bend PD: Fugitive on the run hits fences, steals SUV

A fugitive at the wheel of an SUV fled police in northeast Bend after an alleged assault Monday morning, knocking down fences at a school that went into “lockout” mode and at two nearby homes, officers said. He soon dumped the SUV, stole another and got away, despite an extensive search.

Police responded shortly after 9 a.m. to the intersection of Northeast Tucson Way and Wichita Way on a report of a domestic dispute, said Lt. Clint Burleigh. Officers soon identified the driver as Travis Ira Gee, 28.

Around 9:15 a.m., an officer spotted the burgundy Ford Expedition driven by Gee near Northeast Laramie Way and Tucson Way and the driver took off, eventually driving through the fence of St. Francis of Assisi School on 27 th Street, Burleigh said.

Police called off the chase at that point, and the driver continued through the school property and back onto Tucson Way.

For a time, St. Francis School was placed in a “lockout,” meaning the exterior doors are locked and no one is allowed into or out of the building, for the safety of students and staff, Burleigh said. No other nearby schools were affected, he added.

After the driver fled, Bend police found at least two nearby yards had been damaged by the SUV.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies assisting in the search found the abandoned Expedition at the end of Bradetich Loop.

As officers and deputies searched the area, a red Jeep Wrangler was reported stolen at 9:48 a.m. in front of a nearby house in the 21000 block of Fletcher Lane, just outside the city limits, Burleigh said.

When it was stolen, the Jeep, with Oregon license plate VNE 763, had a small utility trailer attached on the back, with a motor inside.

Oregon State Police troopers joined officers and deputies in an extensive search of the area but could not find Gee or the Wrangler, Burleigh said.

Gee is wanted on a felony warrant for parole violation, and faces several new charges based on the dispute and subsequent pursuit, the lieutenant said.

Police asked the public to call 541-693-6911 if they see the stolen Jeep Wrangler or Gee. But Burleigh warned citizens not to approach the Jeep if they see it.

“Based on the erratic behavior of Travis Gee, we do not feel this is a situation where the public should get involved,” Burleigh said in a news release.