BEND, Ore. — A 47-year-old Bend man was arrested Sunday after police linked him to a series of burglaries, attempted burglaries and vehicle break-ins reported across Bend over the weekend.
James Thomas Tharp Jr. was arrested on suspicion of first-degree burglary, four counts of second-degree burglary, six counts of first-degree criminal mischief, four counts of second-degree criminal mischief, and one count each of first- and second-degree theft. He was transported to the Deschutes County Jail.
The investigation began early Friday morning, Aug. 28, when Bend Police officers responded at approximately 5 a.m. to an alarm at High Time Vape and Smoke in the 2300 block of NE Division Street. Officers found that a large rock had been thrown through the business’s front door. Although no one was found inside, a display of vape cartridges appeared to have been disturbed, and some cartridges appeared to be missing.
About two hours later, at approximately 7:20 a.m., officers responded to an attempted burglary at The Herb Center dispensary in the 2200 block of NE Division Street.
Surveillance footage showed a man approaching the business at about 4:52 a.m. and throwing a large piece of asphalt through a window. The man then attempted to break another window but did not gain entry. Investigators also observed the suspect drop vape cartridges from his pocket as he fled.
The suspect was wearing a camouflage hooded sweatshirt, baggy pants and distinctive Nike shoes.
Later that morning, at approximately 10:52 a.m., officers responded to a report of multiple vehicles being vandalized at a complex near NE Ross Road and Boyd Acres Road. Police determined that five vehicles had their windows broken with large lava rocks. Nothing was reported stolen from the vehicles.
The investigation continued into Sunday, Aug. 30, when officers were called to Third Street Beverage in the 700 block of NE Third Street at approximately 7:15 a.m. Officers found multiple broken windows, along with damage to the store’s automatic sliding door and sign.
Cigarettes and socks were reported stolen. Police estimated the damage to the front door alone at approximately $15,000.
Surveillance footage showed the same suspect, wearing clothing matching that seen in the earlier incidents, entering the liquor store at approximately 2:20 a.m.
During the investigation, officers identified the suspect as Tharp. At approximately 8:49 a.m. Sunday, officers located him wearing the same clothing seen in the surveillance footage.
Police said Tharp had broken into an unoccupied home in the 300 block of NE Greeley Avenue and was staying inside.
Officers recovered approximately $900 worth of cigarettes from the home, along with cigarette racks, socks, a hat and lighters. Police said the property was identified as belonging to Third Street Beverage and was returned to the business.
Tharp’s arrest was associated with Bend Police case numbers 2026-00047773, 2026-00047732, 2026-00047736 and 2026-00048155.
The charges are allegations, and Tharp is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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