Search doesn’t find man sought in Redmond gas station robbery

(Update: Robbery ‘person of interest’ identified; search fails to find him)

An extensive weekend search of undeveloped land east of Redmond failed to find a 38-year-old Redmond man who is possible suspect in the robbery of the Redmond Fred Meyer Gas Station on Friday afternoon.

Central Oregon police and community members on Saturday helped police identify Justin Lee Johnson as a person of interest in the robbery, Lt. Jesse Petersen said.

For about three hours on Saturday and four hours on Sunday, Redmond police and other agencies extensively searched the area southeast of Ninth Street and Antler Avenue, undeveloped property owned by the Central Oregon Irrigation District, Petersen said.

Also involved were members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, Bend police, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State police troopers, with Redmond Fire and Rescue providing logistical supplies (an ATV for use in the rugged terrain), the lieutenant said.

Petersen said more than 20 people were involved in Saturday’s search and more than 30 on Sunday, as he thanked the other agencies and community members for their help in the case.

Police believe a man grabbed cash from the cash register at the Fred Meyer Gas Station and ran, eluding police in the city’s second retail robbery in less than a week.

Unlike the Saturday, Jan. 20 holdup of Moe’s Food Mart on Southwest Fifth Street, no gun was displayed by the robber who struck the gas station at 855 Southwest Sixth Street around 1:30 p.m. Friday, Lt. Curtis Chambers said.

Redmond police rushed to the area, trying to contain the suspect, and a Bend police officer and K-9 partner also responded to assist. But a search did not find him, Chambers said.

Video surveillance from nearby businesses determined the suspect ran through the Lowe’s Home Improvement parking lot to the south of Fred Meyer, running toward the Cook Crossing building, the lieutenant said.

Redmond police released images from the gas station security camera as they seek the public’s help in finding the man.

Anyone with information about Johnson’s whereabouts was urged to call the Deschutes County non-emergency dispatch number, 541-693-6911, and asking to speak with a Redmond officer.

Court records show Johnson has been arrested numerous times since 2005 on charges ranging from assault and DUII to ID theft, burglary, criminal mischief and possession of heroin and methamphetamine.

Petersen said Sunday police have not found a tie between the gas station robbery and the Moe’s Food Mart holdup and are still investigating them as separate incidents.

You can also call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-877-876-TIPS. You can remain anonymous, and you could be eligible for a cash reward.