Redmond Police Street Crimes Unit & CERT Team Serve High-Risk Search Warrant At Suspected Drug House

Redmond Police Dept. - 07/23/18 

Redmond, OR – On Saturday morning, July 21, 2018, at approximately 7:00 AM, members of the Redmond Police Department Part-time Street Crimes Unit, Redmond Police Officers, and members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT), executed a search warrant at 1904 NE 8th Street, Redmond.  The search warrant was applied for after information was received, and investigation completed, into the sale of controlled substances occurring in Redmond.

The CERT team was utilized based on information known to law enforcement about the prior criminal history of the primary suspects and reports one of the suspects had recently obtained a firearm to aid their criminal enterprise further.

During the search of the residence, additional drug-related sale items were found, leading to the arrest of both suspects for several crimes.  Additionally, a small Butane Honey Oil (BHO) lab was discovered inside the house.  BHO labs are inherently dangerous and can lead to large explosions in certain situations.  Drugs seized at the residence have an estimated street value of over $13,000.

Located and arrested at the house were:

• Dustin M. Gates, 29-years-old, a resident of the target house.
  • Unlawful Possession/Delivery/Manufacture of Oxycodone
  • Unlawful Possession/Delivery/Manufacture of Cocaine
  • Unlawful Possession/Delivery/Manufacture of Heroin
  • Unlawful Possession/Delivery/Manufacture of Marijuana
  • Unlawful Possession of Anabolic Steroids
  • Possession of Illegal Fireworks
• Randy M. Thomas, 30-years-old, a resident of the target house.
  • Unlawful Possession/Delivery/Manufacture of Oxycodone
  • Unlawful Possession/Delivery/Manufacture of Cocaine
  • Unlawful Possession/Delivery/Manufacture of Heroin
  • Unlawful Possession/Delivery/Manufacture of Marijuana
  • Possession of Illegal Fireworks

The Redmond Police Department Part-time Street Crimes Unit is an extra-duty assignment which Officers and Detectives work in addition to their regular duties.  This Summer, the Redmond Police Department adjusted the work schedules of two Officers, allowing them to work full-time on quality of life crimes.  Two Officers are working full-time and were able to develop and investigate information received about drug sales in a timely fashion, leading to an arrest in this case.

The Part-time Street Crimes Unit intends to investigate reports of drug sales which has a direct impact on the quality of life in Redmond.  Drug possession, use, and sales are significantly associated with thefts, burglaries, robberies, stolen vehicles, and other crimes.  The Redmond Police Department hopes to reduce quality-of-life crimes by targeting those individuals who supply controlled substances to our community members, thereby encouraging other crimes to be committed.  The Part-time Street Crimes Unit works closely with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Team and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team. 

A full-time Street Crimes Unit is a goal your police department has to help us reach our vision, to make Redmond the safest community in Oregon.  Please call the Redmond Police Department to reported known or suspected drug sales occurring in our City.  Information can be anonymous.