Sisters man arrested after vehicle pursuit

A 27-year-old Sisters man was arrested after an early morning vehicle pursuit west of Redmond on Thursday, October 22.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy observed a 1985 blue and green Chevrolet truck driving west bound on Highway 126 near NW 101st St., just west of Redmond, at approximately 3:30 a.m. The truck was allegedly operating without headlights or taillights.

The deputy attempted to stop the truck, but the driver kept going, allegedly attempting to elude the deputy. The deputy continued pursuing the truck until he lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Peterson Ridge Road and Forest Road 4606. The deputy turned off his vehicle and heard two males talking nearby. The deputy located the truck at the intersection of Forest Road 4606 and Forest Road 901. While waiting for back up to arrive, the deputy began giving commands. One subject identified as RC Phillips of Sisters walked to the deputy and was taken into custody without incident.

With the use of a drone and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ezel and his handler Deputy Johnson, the second suspect, Leonard Kamps, was located about 120 yards from the truck. DCSO reported that Kamps was not complying with commands and was refusing to show his hands. Kamps was ultimately bitten by K9 Ezel, and taken into custody.

During the investigation it was determined that Phillips was the driver of the vehicle. A user amount of methamphetamine was reportedly located inside the truck.

After being evaluated by paramedics, Kamps was lodged in the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Jail on the above mentioned charges.

Phillips was cited and released on charges of felony attempt to elude, reckless driving, hindering prosecution, and felony possession of methamphetamine.