BREAKING NEWS: 7 arrested in Madras drug investigation; fentanyl, handgun seized

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Law enforcement agencies in Central Oregon arrested seven people Wednesday as part of a drug investigation in Madras. The operation led to the seizure of a handgun, suspected fentanyl, suspected methamphetamine and materials investigators say are consistent with drug distribution.

The investigation was conducted by members of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It focused on Elizabeth Ann Chavez, Brent Lee Waldorf and a residence in the 400 block of Southeast Grizzly Road in Madras.

At about 8:30 p.m., a Jefferson County deputy attempted to stop a blue Chevrolet Malibu near Highway 97 and Northeast Elm Lane as part of the investigation. According to authorities, the driver did not stop, and officers deployed spike strips that deflated two tires. The vehicle continued until officers performed a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver near Northeast 10th Street and Northeast Loucks Drive due to community safety concerns.

Three people were taken into custody. The driver, Nicholas Alin Speck, 40, of Redmond, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to elude police, reckless endangering and reckless driving. Rear passenger Brent Lee Waldorf, 35, of Madras, was found with what authorities described as a commercial amount of suspected fentanyl. Front passenger Andrew John Jones, 39, of Bend, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office K9 Keira alerted to the odor of drugs in the vehicle. Detectives obtained a search warrant, and during the search located a handgun and drug-related items. Investigators said the handgun was found in Speck's possession.

While that traffic stop was underway, drug agents were conducting surveillance at the Southeast Grizzly Road residence. After several people left the home, officers conducted a second traffic stop.

Authorities said Chavez, 40, of Madras, ran from the vehicle but was taken into custody nearby. Investigators said she was later found with suspected methamphetamine. Kenneth Lee Crutcher, 48, of Redmond, was arrested on a parole violation warrant and was carrying a Taser, authorities said.

Police then served a search warrant at the residence, where nine additional people were located. Jeremy James Wisely, 42, of Madras, was arrested on a probation violation warrant. Victor Manuel Chavez, 49, of Madras, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree disorderly conduct after authorities said he became verbally aggressive and caused a disturbance.

During the search of the residence, investigators seized drug-related items and materials they said were consistent with drug distribution.

CODE detectives were assisted by the DEA, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Madras Police Department and Oregon State Police.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. The program, sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, coordinates funding for multi-agency drug enforcement task forces.

All seven people arrested were lodged at the Jefferson County Jail.