OSP arrests Bend man in fatal shooting of Sunriver swan

(Update: OSP says suspect said he made a ‘young and careless decision’; Sunriver Nature Center statement)

An anonymous tip led to the arrest by Oregon State Police of a 23-year-old Bend man Tuesday in the fatal shooting of Chuck, a beloved, 11-year-old trumpeter swan near the Sunriver Nature Center last Thanksgiving Day, Sunriver police said,

Following up on the anonymous tip, the Sunriver Police Department worked with the Oregon State Police Fish and Game Division “to further develop information in the case,” which had prompted a reward that grew to $4,000 at last report, Sunriver Interim Police Chief Scott Hayes said in a news release.

Based on the information gathered, OSP Trooper Travis Ring was able to find and interview 23-year old Jordan A. Dupuis of Bend, Hayes said.

Based on several interviews, Dupuis was arrested by citation on a charge of unlawful taking of a prohibited species, a Class A misdemeanor.

“Dupuis was cooperative during the investigation ” Hayes said, and was cited to appear April 18 in Deschutes County Circuit Court.

Ring said Dupuis told troopers he was out duck hunting with friends on Thanksgiving when he saw the swan and “made a young and careless decision” to shoot it.

No other arrests are pending in the case, the police chief said.

Last Nov. 23, Sunriver police were contacted concerning in injured swan just north of Gannet Lane.

Officers located the swan, and with help from the Sunriver Nature Center, recovered the injured bird and brought it to an emergency veterinary clinic for medical attention. The swan known as Chuck later died, despite the best efforts of medical staff, Hayes said.

“The Sunriver Police Department appreciates all of the information and assistance provided to the department following this incident,” Hayes said. “We had a tremendous outpouring of support from our community, support organizations and other law enforcement agencies to help solve this crime.

“Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is grateful to the Sunriver Police and Oregon State Police for their continued efforts in investigating the illegal killing of Chuck,” said Amanda Accamando, manager of the Sunriver Nature Center.

“In the four months since the incident, we have also received an outpouring of support from the community. As we commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act this year, this incident highlights the importance of wildlife protection laws and conservation efforts both locally and nationally.”

Accamando said the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory will continue to support reintroduction efforts of trumpeter swans to Oregon by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife and their partner agencies, especially the Trumpeter Swan Society. As part of this collaboration, efforts are being made to locate a new mate for Gracie.

For more information on Chuck and the Sunriver Nature Center, go to: www.sunrivernaturecenter.org