2/15/2024
Bend Police on Tuesday evening arrested an Uber driver on suspicion of kidnapping. At approximately 9 p.m. on Feb. 13, officers spoke with a woman who reported that she used the Uber app to order a ride to her Bend home, approximately 5 minutes from the pickup location. The Uber driver, identified in the app as Rocky, picked her up at about 6:26 p.m.
At 6:29 p.m. the driver, later identified as 48-year-old La Pine resident Rocky Heath, canceled the ride and drove her around for 25 to 30 minutes despite her requests to take her to her house. After a half hour, he dropped the woman off at her home.
Arrested: Rocky Eugene Earl Heath, 48-year-old La Pine resident
Offenses: Kidnap II, Disorderly Conduct II
Officers searched the area and attempted to find Heath’s vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of NW Minnesota and NW Lava at approximately 11:18 p.m., stopping the 2023 Polestar 2 that Heath was driving. Heath was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of second-degree kidnapping and second-degree disorderly conduct. Officers towed the vehicle and reported the allegations to Uber.
This is an ongoing investigation.
About the Author
