Deschutes sheriff’s deputies search for suspicious man

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies are investigating Jasmine Kjellesvik’s tale of a frightening encounter with a suspicious man.

The incident reportedly happened Wednesday afternoon around 2:30 p.m. in the Woodside Ranch neighborhood, south of Bend.

Kjellesvik,10, said she was walking to a friend’s house when a man, about 40 years old, approached her. She said the man ran toward her, and she ran to her friend’s house.

She said she feels lucky she was able to get away.

“If he would’ve caught me, it scares me — what he could’ve done to me,” Kjellesvik said. “I’m happy that I’m here today.”

Her mother, Jen Kjellesvik, said she doesn’t want to overreact.

“I (believe in) empowering your kids and teaching them what to do in certain situations, but also letting them live and experience life,” she said. “I don’t really believe in sheltering your kids too much, but I do believe in being realistic and honest and giving them tools of what to do.”

The suspect is described as a white male in his 40s with black hair, wearing a red jacket, gray pants and black shoes. If you have any information, you’re urged to call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at 541-693-6911.