Three arrested in Redmond convenience store robbery; stabbed worker ‘doing well’

(Update: Three arrested in robbery, assault)

Car was pursued after being spotted at Walmart; Stop Sticks slow, stop car

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Three suspects in the early-morning holdup of a Redmond convenience store and stabbing of a store clerk were pursued and arrested Saturday night on robbery and assault charges, police said Sunday, adding that the victim is recovering and “doing well” at the hospital.

Deschutes County 911 dispatchers got a call around 9:35 p.m. that the suspect vehicle sought in the robbery of the Chevron Circle K on South Highway 97 was at the Redmond Walmart, Lt. Curtis Chambers said.

A Redmond officer in the area quickly found the car, but the driver sped away, triggering a pursuit, Chambers said. Officers deployed Stop Sticks (spike strips) that caused the car’s tires to slowly deflate, he added.

The driver headed south on Highway 97, leaving Redmond and turning west onto Southwest Tomahawk Avenue. The car became disabled in a field, and Redmond officers, joined by sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police troopers, detained and ultimately arrested three people, Chambers said, adding that there were no injuries “and no force was used.”

Abrahan Sandoval Ruiz, 24, listed as a Central Oregon resident, was jailed on charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, felony and misdemeanor attempt to elude police, menacing, first-degree criminal mischief and reckless driving.

He’s being held without bail on an outstanding parole violation warrant on an original charge of robbery and weapon use.

Court records show Sandoval Ruiz pleaded guilty last year to third-degree robbery and coercion and was sentenced to 15 months in prison after a four-hour standoff and arrest, accused of robbing a man at gunpoint in a southwest Redmond man at gunpoint.

Brandon Petri, 21, a Bend-area resident, was jailed on charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, third-degree theft and a parole violation.

Petri pleaded guilty to two 2019 thefts of guns from Bend gun stores and received an 18-month prison sentence after the second crime, court records showed.

Meaghan Webb, 31, of Madras, was jailed on first-degree robbery and first-degree assault charges.

Chambers said the 27-year-old woman stabbed and seriously injured in the holdup "is recovering, doing well at St. Charles Bend."

As Redmond police continue their investigation, officers and detectives still want to speak with any business in the area of the convenience store who could have security video, as well as anyone with information about the crime.

“Central Oregon is safer today because these individuals are off our streets," Redmond Police Chief Dave Tarbet said. "This investigation, utilizing all facets of our department and in cooperation with the victims, witnesses, and area businesses, led to the successful capture of these dangerous people.”

Redmond police offered appreciation for assistance from Deschutes County 911, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police.

Police had responded around 3:30 a.m. to the Chevron Circle K at 2005 South Highway 97 to a 911 call reporting a robbery and stabbing, Sgt. Tyler Kirk said Saturday.

An initial investigation found that three people wearing masks entered the store just before 3:30 a.m., confronted the employee and tried to get into the cash register, at which point the woman was stabbed several times by one suspect. The three then fled in a vehicle, Kirk said.

Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to contact Redmond police through Deschutes County dispatchers, at 541-693-6911.