Woman Dies Following Reported Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound Near Mill City; Bend Man Arrested on Weapons Charge

MILL CITY, Ore. — A 41-year-old Bend woman died early Wednesday morning after deputies responded to a report of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Mill City convenience store, according to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Michelle Duncan said deputies were dispatched to the 7-Eleven in Mill City at approximately 4:14 a.m. on Aug. 5 after receiving a report of a woman who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A deputy arrived within minutes and found a man acting erratically near a black 2010 Ford Edge, while a woman was located inside the vehicle. The deputy immediately began lifesaving measures after determining the woman did not have a pulse. Paramedics arrived shortly afterward and pronounced her dead at the scene.

Detectives from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist with the investigation.

The woman was identified as Kristie Ann Miltimore, 41, of Bend. The man was identified as Rian Eugene Bernhardt, 51, of Bend.

Investigators interviewed Bernhardt at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office before arresting him on a charge of Possession of Weapons by Certain Felons (Firearm). He was booked into the Marion County Jail.

According to investigators, Miltimore and Bernhardt were together at the time of the shooting, which authorities believe occurred at an unknown location near the Mill City area before they arrived at the convenience store.

The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone who may have seen the black 2010 Ford Edge or had contact with either Miltimore or Bernhardt before the shooting to contact Detective Scott Tennant with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 541-967-3950.

Authorities said no additional information is being released at this time.