A man was arrested after leading local authorities in two separate pursuits in downtown Bend and Sunriver. According to info from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office:
On Tuesday morning, August 19, 2025, a pursuit that began in Bend and ended in Sunriver led to the arrest of 40-year-old Matthew Hammer after he drove recklessly through multiple communities, struck patrol vehicles, and endangered both the public and law enforcement. He’s now facing several charges, including attempted assault, reckless endangering, criminal mischief, and attempting to elude an officer.
At approximately 9:18 a.m., a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Deputy assigned to the Deschutes County main office in downtown Bend observed a black Cadillac Escalade being driven recklessly on the property. When the Deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver—later identified as Hammer—refused to pull over and fled the area. The pursuit was initially discontinued for public safety while law enforcement agencies across the county began searching for the vehicle.
Around 10:01 a.m., a Sunriver Police Sergeant spotted the Escalade traveling southbound on Highway 97 near the Sunriver exit. Hammer again attempted to elude law enforcement, driving at high speeds, swerving into oncoming traffic, and nearly colliding head-on with a patrol vehicle. Deputies successfully deployed spike strips, deflating two tires, but Hammer continued driving recklessly.
As Hammer fled down South Century Drive, Spring River Road, and nearby residential streets, he nearly struck multiple responding officers. He rammed a Deschutes County K-9 vehicle, causing damage and minor injuries to the Deputy inside. The K-9 was not injured. Hammer also drove onto private property, striking a parked vehicle while a resident was outside, before returning to the roadway.
As Hammer’s driving continued to endanger the public and law enforcement, Deputies re-engaged the vehicle. They used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) controlled maneuver to force the suspect off the road safely. Hammer drove into the PIT, and a Deputy pushed the Escalade onto the shoulder, ending the pursuit. Both the suspect’s vehicle and the Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles were damaged.
Hammer was evaluated at the scene and later at St. Charles Medical Center before being jailed at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.
Oregon State Police is investigating the crash involving DCSO patrol vehicles, consistent with standard pursuit protocols. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Sunriver Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Fire Department, and Deschutes County Road Department for their assistance during this incident.
CHARGES:
- Attempted Assault I – 1 count
- Attempted Assault on a Public Safety Officer – 3 counts
- Recklessly Endangering – 5 counts
- Reckless Driving – 3 counts
- Attempt to Elude a Police Officer (Felony) – 3 counts
- Criminal Mischief I – 1 count
- Criminal Mischief II – 1 count
