Redmond burglary, domestic violence suspect eludes police search; police seek public tips

(Update: Police release details of suspect search, seek public's help in locating him)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The police search for a burglary and domestic violence suspect closed a busy southwest Redmond street and put two nearby schools in Secure status Tuesday. He eluded capture, prompting a call to the public for any leads to his whereabouts.

Lt. April Huey said officers responded shortly before 8 a.m. to a burglary reported in the area of the 1800 block of SW Canal Boulevard. "This incident was in addition to a domestic violence incident the previous day," she said in a news release. 

At the time of the call Tuesday morning, the victim and police believed the suspect was in the victim’s home, Huey said. But officers searched the home and couldn't find him.

"Out of caution during this time, RPD asked the schools in the area to be placed in a secure status until the residence was cleared," Huey said. 

The suspect has been identified as Tyler J. Kane, 30, of Bend. Huey said he has an outstanding warrant for Probation Violation, in addition to charges for Burglary 1, Theft II, Harassment-Domestic Violence, Coercion, and Theft 1.

If you have information about the current location of the suspect, you're asked to please contact non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.   

"RPD would like to remind citizens of the importance of staying out of areas where there is high police activity, to allow for the efficient police access into and out of the area," Huey said.   

"If you have or are currently experiencing intimate partner violence, it is important to know that you are not alone," she added. Saving Grace is a valuable resource and is available 24/7 at their helpline, 541-389-7021.   

Earlier, police advised the public of a heavy police presence in the area but also assured that "there is no current threat to the community."

Redmond police said in a brief Facebook posting around 11:30 a.m.: "There is a heavy police presence in the area of the 1800 block of SW Canal Blvd. Police will be in the area for an extended period of time. The schools have been notified. There is no current threat to the community."

Shortly before noon, police said in an update: "There is a heavy police presence in the area of the 1800 block of SW Canal Blvd. Police will be in the area for an extended period of time, looking for a suspect. SW Canal Blvd is currently closed from SW Quartz Ave. to SW Pumice Ave. Please avoid the area if possible."

They again stressed that "there is no current threat to the community."

A KTVZ News photographer provided a live stream as police surrounded a building in the area for a time Tuesday afternoon.

Redmond Police Lt. April Huey told KTVZ News at mid-afternoon that the road had reopened and the area was clear.

Here is a note sent earlier Tuesday to parents of Obsidian Middle School and Lynch Elementary School parents and staff about the Secure status, which a Redmond School District spokesman told KTVZ News lasted for about two hours before being lifted:

"Dear Families and Staff,

Out of an abundance of caution, both Obsidian Middle School and M.A. Lynch Elementary School have been placed in a Secure protocol at the direction of the Redmond Police Department.

A Secure is a modification of a lockdown that keeps students and staff inside the building, restricts outside access, and allows the school day to continue as normal within the building.

We want to emphasize that this situation is not related to either school. The Secure was issued only because of the proximity of the police activity, not because of any threat or issue on our campuses.

All students and staff are safe, and we will provide an update as soon as the Secure has been lifted." An update was sent later about the lifting of Secure status.