Bend used car lot owner talks of frightening robbery

It was a scary night for the Matlock family when a man in a ski mask and armed with a hammer walked into the lobby of Local Motors Saturday evening.

Morgan Matlock, owner of the used car lot on Northeast Division Street in Bend, said Sunday he was drinking a beer and watching college football. His wife, Christina, was in her office with their dog and 6-year-old child.

Local Motors was closed for the night. Then a man, whom police identified as Christopher James Grant, walked in just before 7 p.m. Saturday

Matlock said Grant displayed a badge on his chest, claiming to be a police officer, but the couple knew something was off.

Morgan Matlock said Grant demanded money and put him in handcuffs. Grant also threatened him with a hammer

He said he complied with Grant’s demands while trying to think of a way to get his family out of the situation safely.

What he didn’t know was his wife had secretly dialed 911, so police could listen in and hear what was going on.

“While we were arguing and negotiating, she was saying stuff to (Grant), she was also saying ‘Local Motors Bend’ (to police) in the mix of that situation,” Morgan Matlock said.

He said he believes his wife saved their lives. Shortly after, first responders arrived at the scene.

Police said Grant tried to escape and run away, but two officers caught him about a block away, on Northeast Tweet Place.

Grant has been charged with robbery, kidnap and nine other charges. Police are still investigating how Grant was able to obtain the law enforcement items.

Despite the very frightening encounter, Matlock said he won’t let this one instance change his impression of the town. He said he believes Bend is a great community with great values.