2 Madras fugitives caught in Redmond, one with K-9’s aid

Two Madras-area fugitives were arrested late Wednesday night as they tried to run from their car at a downtown Redmond convenience store — one caught with the help of a police dog’s bite and tracking ability, officers said.

Redmond police, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team detectives and members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) located Jose Rodriguez Sanchez, 40, and Sadie Renee Johnson, 27, in the parking lot of The Buggy Stop Market on Northwest Sixth Street, Lt. Curtis Chambers said.

As officers approached their silver 2004 Volkswagen, Sanchez-Rodriguez tried to drive away, pulling around behind the store, where both got out and ran, Chambers said.

As Rodriguez Sanchez was climbing a fence, K-9 Mavrick bit him on the arm, Chambers said, but the fugitive was able to break free and climb over the fence.

Mavrick and his handler, Officer Josh Powers, searched the area and found Rodriguez Sanchez hiding a short distance away, taking him into custody without further incident. Chambers said the suspect was not injured by the dog bite.

Officers caught Johnson before she was able to climb the fence and arrested her without further incident.

Investigators found methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the pair’s car and in their possession, Chambers said.

Both were taken to the Deschutes County Jail, where Rodriguez Sanchez was held on four arrest warrants out of Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties, as well as misdemeanor meth and marijuana possession charges. His bail totaled $92,500.

Johnson was held on two arrest warrants from Clackamas County and the U.S. Marshal’s Office, as well as a misdemeanor meth possession charge. Her bail totaled $45,000.

Chambers said the investigation is continuing and that once complete, both suspects could face more charges.