2021 Redmond crash turns out to be homicide – driver had been shot; police now seeking tips to help solve case

(Update: More police details)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A late 2021 crash into a power pole in southwest Redmond became a homicide investigation when investigators learned the driver had been fatally shot. Now, more than two years later, Redmond Police have yet to develop a suspect and are turning to the public for help in solving the case.

Dustin Hilsendager, 26, was found to be a homicide victim in the crash reported on Southwest Canal Boulevard near Timber Avenue shortly after 2 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2021. The car with heavy front-end damage was backed up against a leaning power pole while the investigation closed the road for some time on the snow-covered street.

A fire official said law enforcement already was on scene, aiding the driver, alone in his car, when fire medics arrived on scene, and no extrication was necessary. A Redmond Fire ambulance took him to St. Charles Redmond with serious injuries.

Crime scene tape blocked off a  stretch of Canal Boulevard that was closed until about 4 p.m. that day. An Oregon State Police Forensics Unit truck joined Redmond police and Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies at the scene by mid-morning.

"What was initially investigated as a crash was later determined to be a homicide, when it was learned the victim had been shot," Redmond Police Lt. Eric Beckwith told NewsChannel 21 Wednesday.

Beckwith provided a few more details Thursday, after talking to investigators about what information could be released at this point.

"Life-saving measures were taking place from the scene all the way to the hospital," he said. "We determined it to be a homicide when it was learned Dustin had been shot. I cannot give any more details beyond these."

In Wednesday's news release, Beckwith said, "Despite the on-going investigative efforts of both the Redmond Police Department and the Tri-County Major Incident Team (MIT), who were activated to assist in the homicide investigation, no suspects have been identified."  

"The Redmond Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance for any information that may lead to the resolution of this unsolved case, RPD case #2021-33016," he said. "If you have information about the case, please contact Sgt. Tyler Kirk at 541-504-3488 or tyler.kirk@redmondoregon.gov. "  

"This is an active investigation and no further information about the case will be released," the release concluded.

District Attorney Steve Gunnels also had no additional information to share.