Man on the run is apprehended
By Terry Murry on Monday, October 10th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Pendleton Police Department personnel responded to a report from Backfire Station employees reporting a man stole merchandise and shoved workers while trying to make his escape. Police Chief Chuck Byram said that was the beginning of a string of incidents Sunday evening resulting in the arrest of Steven David Spenst, 27, of Pendleton.
“The male suspect was observed heading into Bi-Mart,” Byram wrote in a news release. “Officers responded to Bi-Mart where they were advised by employees that the male suspect entered into the back room of the business in an attempt to leave out the rear exit. An employee intercepted the suspect, however the male suspect bit the employee and fled the scene.”
Officers lost sight of the suspect, but a man in the 1400 block of Southwest Frazer Avenue reported the suspect entered his house and went into his daughter’s room. Officers attempted to gain entry when the runner fled out of a window.
“The male suspect ran to the parking lot of Dutch Brothers where he attempted to enter an occupied vehicle in the drive-through,” Byram wrote.
He then tried to enter the drive-through window at Dutch Bros., but employees locked the window. Police reported he then fled east on Southwest Court Avenue. At the 1000 block of Southwest Court, he attempted to take a motorcycle from its driver by force, but law enforcement closed in and deployed a Taser.
“The male suspect still continued to resist officers’ attempts to take him into custody, but after a struggle officers arrested Steven David Spenst,” Byram said.
It appeared to the officers that Spenst exhibited signs of being under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant. He was treated at St. Anthony Hospital and released into the custody of the officers. The Oregon State Police assisted in the arrest.
Spenst is charged with first-degree burglary, three counts of third-degree robbery, two counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, third-degree escape, resisting arrest, and second-degree theft. Byram said more charges are possible pending a review by the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office.
