Bend police enforcing school-zone speeds

Police across Central Oregon are making sure drivers see them as the school year kicks off this week.

It was an exciting Thursday morning ride-along with Bend Police Department, when a normal traffic stop turned into a brief pursuit.

Officer Leo Lotito was out making sure drivers are pushing on the brake rather than the accelerator when driving through a school zone.

Lotito caught a motorist talking on his cellphone. The officer tried to stop the driver, but he failed to stop, quickly turning the incident into a short pursuit.

The driver almost hit another vehicle during the pursuit.

Felix Garcia was headed to work when the other driver almost hit his vehicle.

The man eventually stopped and was cited for being on his cellphone, driving carelessly and driving with a suspended license.

Garcia said drivers need to be alert and watch out for the kids, as well as other, inattentive drivers.

Officers increase enforcement before and after school. The school speed zones are 20 miles an hour.

“We find more parents rushing to get the kids to school on time and get to work on time,” Lotito said.

Drivers could face a $160 fine if they’re caught speeding in a school zone.

Bend police are reminding drivers who commute through these areas to be aware of the increased number of children who are present as the school year has begun.