Prineville Police Department

Central Oregon

Former Regency employee arrested in alleged theft of tens of thousands from nursing home residents

December 5, 2025

A months-long investigation into suspected financial exploitation at Regency Prineville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (Regency Prineville) led to the arrest of a former employee on Thursday, according to a statement released by the Prineville Police Department.

Crime

High-speed pursuit of Prineville man ends in arrest in Harney County

December 3, 2025

A Prineville man was arrested Sunday after allegedly leading officers on a high-speed pursuit that began in Prineville and stretched across multiple counties before ending in Harney County, according to a press release from the Prineville Police Department.

Public Transparency

New records show conflicting timeline in Prineville Police Chief Profio’s resignation

October 8, 2025

Newly released records show Police Chief Jeff Profio had submitted a 90-day retirement notice effective November 26, 2025 — a detail not disclosed in the city’s earlier announcement that described his resignation and retirement.

Local

Toddler died following reported drowning at Prineville daycare last month; sheriff’s office investigating

October 6, 2025

An infant has died following an incident nearly a month ago at a Prineville daycare, according to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, which confirmed Monday that the child was transported to a Portland hospital but did not survive.

Local

Prineville Police Chief Jeff Profio announces retirement just nine months after taking the job

August 29, 2025

The City of Prineville has announced the retirement of Police Chief Jeff Profio, coming just nine months after he was hired to lead the department. The announcement came directly from Stingray Communications, a public relations firm contracted by the City of Prioneville.

Crime

Three juveniles arrested in Crook County Fair burglary, Stolen property recovered

August 15, 2025

Three juveniles have been arrested in connection with a burglary and theft at the Crook County Fair last week, Prineville Police announced Friday.

Crime

Several hour standoff in Prineville ends peacefully with arrest; Suspect identified

July 25, 2025

A tense standoff between police and a suspect off NE Belknap Street in Prineville ended peacefully just after midnight, following a heavy law enforcement response that drew a crowd of more than 100 onlookers.

Crime

Prineville car salesman arrested; Indicted on 35 counts for multi-year fraud scheme

July 2, 2025

Mike Smetzer, the owner of the now-defunct Central Oregon Motors, was arrested Wednesday, July 2nd, by the Crook County Sheriff’s Office following a grand jury indictment that returned on June 27th, according to court records.

Crime

Prineville man charged with attempted murder after disturbing video circulates on Facebook

July 1, 2025

A Prineville man was arrested late Monday and is now facing multiple felony charges after a disturbing video surfaced on Facebook showing a man with a bloodied face — footage that police have confirmed is connected to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Crime

Homicide confirmed in NW Prineville disturbance; Suspect arrested

June 29, 2025

Prineville Police have confirmed that a violent incident reported Friday is now being investigated as a homicide, following the arrest of a suspect over the weekend.

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