Bend, OR) -- What started as a drug possession investigation helped police uncover an alleged kidnapping in Bend where the victim had a finger removed. Police identified Efram Palafox as a suspect and seized drugs at his house. They also found surveillance video from the Bend hospital where he forced a man to leave with him. Police say the victim was tied to a tree, had his finger removed, and was forcibly tattooed with a derogatory message. The finger was found during a second search of Palafox's house. He faces kidnapping and assault charges.

OSU-Cascades is seeking more employer and nonprofit partners as its Work Integrated Learning program moves from pilot phase into a broader campus launch. Career Design Center director Cynthia Engle says the more community projects available, the faster the program can grow by connecting real-world needs directly with classroom work. Engle says it also helps students who may not have time for traditional internships, especially those already working while attending school. The first full term launches with seven early-adopter faculty members, and more are expected to join throughout the year as OSU-Cascades expands hands-on learning opportunities.

 

 

Redmond is moving closer to banning personal fireworks inside city limits.

City leaders held a public hearing this week, with fire danger and the strain on emergency responders around the Fourth of July driving the discussion.

Mayor Ed Fitch says the council took a preliminary vote, with six members in favor and one opposed. The final vote is set for August 25th, and Fitch says he expects the ban to pass.

The city is also exploring a July 3rd community celebration, aimed at creating a fireworks-free tradition for families while reducing wildfire risk and emergency calls.

 

 

Bend Police say impaired driving continues to be a daily concern, with 278 DUI arrests so far this year — a pace officials say is similar to recent years. Bend PD’s Sheila Miller tells KBND News officers have responded to at least four crashes in the past 10 days where drivers were arrested for impairment at the scene. Another incident happened Saturday at 3rd and Reed Market, where police say a person overdosed while driving. Miller says officers are also continuing targeted patrols for speeding and distracted driving. During a recent Parkway detail, officers issued 12 speeding tickets in one hour, with drivers clocked at 65 to 72 miles per hour.

 

 

Deschutes County prosecutors are warning that human-caused fires can bring criminal charges when risky choices spark danger in dry summer conditions. District Attorney Steve Gunnells tells KBND News investigators first determine how a fire started, then whether someone’s actions crossed a legal line. He says police can cite people for reckless burning, an Oregon misdemeanor that can carry jail time. Intentional fire-setting can lead to arson charges, and if a fire injures or kills someone, prison time can be substantial. Gunnells says several local fire cases have already been referred to his office, involving brush burning, fireworks, and exploding targets.