Two boys hit by SUV in Deschutes River Woods

Two boys were struck by one and possibly two SUVs in Deschutes River Woods, south of Bend Friday evening, authorities said Saturday, adding that the injuries were non-life-threatening.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched around 6:30 p.m. to the area of Baker Road and Lakeview Drive on the reported vehicle-vs.-pedestrian crash, said sheriff’s Sgt. Aaron Harding. Dispatchers advised two pedestrians had been struck by a vehicle.

After they arrived, deputies learned from witnesses the boys,12 and 14 years old, had been struck by at least one SUV heading west on Baker Road, Harding said. On Saturday, authorities said it was possible only one SUV was involved, as witness descriptions of the two vehicles were similar.

A2005 Jeep Wrangler driven by Danny Gifford, 55, of Bend, stopped and stayed at the scene. The possible second vehicle was described as a dark-colored SUV which stopped, then left before deputies arrived.

The second SUV last was seen heading west on Baker Road toward Shoshone Road, the sergeant said. There were two occupants, both described by witnesses as men in their 40s, one with a goatee and the second male was unshaven.

Both of the juveniles were taken to St. Charles Bend for treatment of injuries.

With the crash under investigation, the sheriff’s office encouraged anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office at (541) 693-6911.