Weapons Offense Investigation

Deschutes Co. Sheriff's Office - 01/02/19


On December 29, 2018, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a weapons offense that occurred in the area of Fontana Road and Stellar Drive in the Spring River area. During the investigation, Sheriff’s Office patrol and detectives determined that James Crawford and his girlfriend had been in an argument. The girlfriend went to Crawford’s residence with a friend to retrieve her dog. The girlfriend became concerned for Crawford’s safety and tried to remove firearms from the residence. A struggle ensued and Crawford was able to retain the firearms. The girlfriend fled the residence with her friend. Crawford drove to the friend’s residence on Fontana Road in his motorhome.

Crawford had a shotgun with him and pointed it at the girlfriend and her friend, at least three times, from a short distance away. Crawford then fired the shotgun once towards the vehicle that the girlfriend and her friend were in, causing minor damage to the vehicle. Crawford returned to his residence.                       

About 1:30 am on December 30, 2018, deputies observed Crawford driving into the parking lot of the Circle K gas station on Enterprise Drive in Sunriver. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies and SWAT team members contacted Crawford by phone and he agreed to come out of his motorhome.  Crawford was then arrested without incident.  No one was injured during the incident or the arrest.  During the investigation, it was learned that Crawford had a valid restraining order against him that prohibited him from possessing firearms.

Charges: Attempted Assault I (2 counts), Menacing (2 counts), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (2 counts), Pointing a Firearm at Another (2 counts), Misdemeanor Driving While Suspended (1 count), and Violating a Restraining Order (1 count).    

NARRATIVE:

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Sunriver Police Department.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service organization providing patrol, criminal investigations, corrections, civil and search and rescue. Special operations include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 units. Founded in 1916 and today directed by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the more than 185,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 180 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

james crawford booking photo

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