Two 15-year-olds arrested for burglary at Bend’s The Grove

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two 15-year-old Bend boys were arrested early Sunday after authorities say they tried to break into a building at The Grove on NW Crossing, home to several businesses. The arrests came after a report of two masked people attempting entry through a second-floor balcony.

Bend Police responded to the burglary in progress at approximately 2:13 a.m at 2838 NW Crossing Drive. The building, part of The Grove, houses multiple businesses, including the steakhouse Rancher Butcher Chef, the fitness studio Starcycle Bend, a law firm, and other office space. The caller reported that the pair had parked an electric motorcycle at the southwest corner of the building before climbing onto a balcony and gaining entry.

Officers arrived at the scene and established a perimeter around the building. An officer observed the suspects loading electronics into a backpack before they exited the building at about 2:41 a.m.

KTVZ News spoke with a property manager, who did not want to do an on-camera interview at this time. They said that due to building codes, they are not allowed to lock the exterior balcony doors, which is "unfortunate and created this situation". They are looking at alternatives to secure that door.

Oregon State Fire Code requires that all exterior egress doors must be openable from the inside without requiring a key, special knowledge, or effort. However, they offer four suggestions for maintaining building security.

When confronted by officers, the two boys ran from the area but were caught nearby. They were subsequently transported to the Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice facility.

Police impounded the electric motorcycle used by the 15-year-old boys in the commission of the crimes. The boys face charges of Burglary II, Aggravated Theft I, Criminal Mischief I, Escape III and Possession of Burglary Tools.