Bend Man Arrested After Alleged Attempted Sexual Assault Near Downtown

BEND, Ore. — A 40-year-old Bend man was arrested Tuesday morning after police said he attempted to sexually assault a woman near the railroad underpass along Third Street.

Bend Police responded at about 9:31 a.m. Sept. 29 to a report of a woman who had run to a business in the 200 block of NE Third Street and reported that she had been sexually assaulted.

According to police, the 39-year-old Bend woman told officers she was walking through the railroad underpass along Third Street when she encountered Sheldon Shawn Doveri, whom she vaguely knew. After briefly speaking with her, Doveri allegedly masturbated in front of the woman before tackling her and attempting to sexually assault her.

Police said the woman fought to escape. A bystander then entered the underpass area, prompting Doveri to flee.

The woman ran to a nearby business, called 911 and provided officers with a description of the suspect. Officers located Doveri a short time later near NE Fourth Street and Hawthorne Avenue.

Doveri was arrested and transported to the Bend Police Department before being lodged in the Deschutes County Jail. He is accused of attempted first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, harassment and public indecency.

Police said they have not yet identified the bystander who intervened and are asking the man to contact investigators.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to call nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.