Bend, OR – Two teens were injured early Sunday morning in a shooting at the top of the Centennial Parking Plaza in downtown Bend. The shooting occurred around 12:56 a.m., prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement.
According to Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller, officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving a report that an 18-year-old had been shot and was being transported to St. Charles Bend hospital. Police also responded to the hospital to gather more information. Upon arriving, officers learned that the shooting had taken place at the top of the parking garage located at 750 NW Lava Road.
Witnesses told investigators that the victims, both teens, were standing next to their vehicle when a red Dodge Challenger pulled up on the passenger side. The occupants of the Challenger reportedly got out and confronted the teens. Details about the exact nature of the confrontation remain unclear, but tensions quickly escalated, leading to the gunfire. One of the teens was struck by a shotgun blast, while the other was unharmed but likely shaken by the incident.
The injured teen was transported to St. Charles Bend for treatment. No further information regarding their condition has been released, though authorities have confirmed that the teen received medical attention for the injuries sustained during the shooting.
By Monday morning, police had arrested a suspect in connection with the incident. However, the individual was released shortly thereafter on their own recognizance, meaning they were not required to post bail. The decision to release the suspect has raised questions, given the severity of the situation and the potential threat posed by the use of a firearm in a public setting.
Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, including the possible motives behind the altercation. Police have yet to provide any details regarding the relationship between the suspect and the victims or whether additional individuals were involved in the incident.
The case remains under investigation, and police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
