Bend Officer Charged in Pursuit

Off-duty Bend, OR police officer Buckley Duane Church II, 38, was arrested Friday on charges stemming from a high-speed attempt to elude an Oregon State Trooper.

Church was riding a motorcycle with his 16-year-old daughter on the back when he was spotted by an OSP Trooper’s radar gun doing 81 mph. The trooper gave chase during which Church passed numerous vehicles in a no passing zone at speeds over 100 mph.

Church has been charged with felony attempt to elude a police officer, reckless driving, and recklessly endangering another person. Church’s dauhter was released to her stepmother.

Bend Police Chief Andy Jordan reportedly has not yet decided if Church will be placed on paid administrative leave. “Typically, what we’ll do is evaluate what the charges are, and determine if he can continue to function as a police officer until this is sorted out,” Jordan said.

Source: KGW.com