Fugitive arrested after struggle in NE Bend home

A fugitive on the run since eluding a police chase and manhunt when he stole a car earlier this month was found hiding in a northeast Bend home Thursday and arrested after a brief struggle with police, and a woman at the home was charged with hiding him, officers said.

Police put a specific detail together Thursday to continue working to find Travis Ira Gee, 28, of Bend, a suspect in a domestic assault, damaging car chase and stolen car on May 11, said Lt. Clint Burleigh.

The investigation led officers to a home at 1757 NE Laredo Way, where just before 8 a.m., Stefanie Lafountaine was contacted by officers looking for Gee. Burleigh said Lafountaine hid Gee from police, knowing he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Gee was found hiding in the home. He physically resisted arrest, Burleigh said, but was taken into custody “within a few minutes.” He was evaluated at the scene by fire department medics before being taken to the Deschutes County Jail.

He also was charged in the theft of a red Jeep Wrangler back on May 11, which was recovered since that time, the lieutenant said.

Gee faces new charges of resisting arrest and heroin and methamphetamine possession.

Charges stemming from the May 11 incidents include unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, first-degree theft, fourth-degree assault, interfering with making a police report, attempting to elude police by vehicle (a felony) and on foot (a misdemeanor), misdemeanor driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, reckless endangering, and first- and second-degree criminal mischief.

He remained held without bail late Thursday on a parole violation charge. Bail for the other charges totaled $105,000.

Lafountaine was cited for hindering prosecution and released pending a future court date.

On May 11, Gee was at the wheel of a burgundy Ford Expedition when he allegedly knocked down fences at St. Francis of Assisi School, which went into “lockout” mode, and at two nearby homes. Police said he dumped the SUV, stole a red Jeep Wrangler attached to a small utility trailer and got away, despite an extensive search.

Officers asked the public for help finding the Jeep but warned people not to approach it if found, citing Gee’s “erratic behavior.”