This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Prineville, Ore. – Several vendors at the Crook County Fair are reporting that their booths were broken into overnight, with items stolen from numerous small businesses—including those run by children and local families. According to early social media posts circulating Friday morning, the theft occurred sometime after the fair closed on Thursday night.
A security guard was reportedly injured while attempting to stop the suspects. The extent of the guard’s injuries is currently unknown.
Police are actively investigating and asking any affected vendors to file a report by calling the Prineville Police Department at 541-447-4168, according to Sgt. Daniel Pelayo. Anyone with any other information can also contact the department and request to speak with Ofc. Mitch Merrit. Law enforcement officers were seen walking the fairgrounds Friday morning, speaking with vendors and collecting statements.
“This wasn’t just theft, it was a slap in the face to the people who keep this town alive,” one vendor wrote online. “You stole from families, from hardworking small business owners, from people who pour their hearts into what they do. You stole from your own community.”
The incident has prompted an outpouring of support from the community, with calls to continue supporting local vendors during the final days of the fair.
“Never in a decade have I ever had an issue with theft at events here in Crook County,” another vendor noted.
Despite the setback, many expressed a commitment to keep the fair spirit alive. “We’re still gonna find joy and have a good time at the fair,” the post concluded.
Fair organizers have not yet issued an official statement.
Pelayo also told the Prineville Review late Friday morning that the incident was reported at approximately 3:35am by a security guard. While online reports have claimed the guard was injured while attempting to intervene, Pelayo said he could not confirm the circumstances of the injury.
He did confirm, however, that the guard reported seeing two suspects. No additional information about their ages or other identifying characteristics was available at the time of reporting.
The owner of the private security company confirmed to the Prineville Review that they did have body camera footage of the incident, which was being provided to law enforcement.
Sheriff John Gautney also spoke with after publication and stated that while the case was being handled by Prineville Police, they are working alongside them as well as local security to ensure everyone’s safety. Gautney confirmed the Sheriff’s Office will have increased patrols of the fairgrounds through the weekend.
Check back with the Prineville Review for updates as this story develops.
Note: The story was updated to include additional updates as it has developed, as well as to confirm police were walking the fairgrounds Friday morning, not Saturday. We regret the error.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject mater expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
