Bend driver arraigned, accused of crashing vehicle through Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office gate, hitting wall

(Update: Driver arraigned, formal charges)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A late-night crash at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is under investigation after a truck reportedly drove through the secure vehicle gate on Saturday.

A sergeant on duty noticed the damage at the department’s main office. They eventually found a black truck parked on the west side of the lot, with loud music coming from the vehicle. 

After looking closer, the sergeant determined the truck had barreled through the gate at a high rate of speed before crashing into a block wall.

The driver, Thomas Lee Downs Jr., 38, of Bend, was taken into custody at the scene. He’s now facing several charges, including DUII, reckless driving, first-degree criminal mischief, and violating parole.

Damage to the sheriff’s office is estimated at more than $80,000.

Downs was arraigned Monday afternoon on four Class A misdemeanors - DUII, second-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person.