Bend Man Arrested After Investigation Into $5,000 Theft From Vehicle

BEND, Ore. — A 27-year-old Bend man was arrested after police investigating a theft from a vehicle recovered a significant amount of stolen property from his apartment, authorities said.

Bend police began investigating on Sept. 22 after receiving a report of a theft from a vehicle at the Current apartments, located at 954 SW Emkay Drive. The value of the items taken from the vehicle was determined to be more than $5,000.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video and identified an apartment at the complex as a residence of interest. Officers identified the occupant as Michael Cole Demayo, 27, of Bend.

Police said Demayo was also identified as a suspect in thefts reported at Fred Meyer on Sept. 18 and Sept. 22, as well as a theft at Petco on Sept. 23.

On Sept. 24, officers obtained and executed a search warrant at Demayo’s apartment at 954 SW Emkay Drive, Unit 103. Police said the search resulted in the recovery of a significant amount of suspected stolen property, including items connected to an additional theft from Big 5.

Demayo was later located and arrested at about 8:43 p.m. Sept. 24. He was booked into the Deschutes County Jail.

He was arrested on two counts of first-degree theft, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, second-degree criminal mischief and offensive littering.

Police said a large law enforcement presence was used during the execution of the search warrant because of the nature of the investigation and as a precaution.

The investigation remains ongoing. Officers are continuing to identify recovered property and determine its owners, and police said additional charges are expected.