Oregon Tribal Investigation on Meth

Meth Investigation

01/26/2005
Sergeant Greg Sherman
Oregon State Police - Pendleton
Office: (541) 278-4090 ext. 4850

(Umatilla, Oregon) - An investigation Tuesday into information of a large narcotics purchase at the Umatilla Marina along the Columbia River led to the arrest of two suspects, but a third suspect attempting to escape jumped into the river and drowned before officers could reach him.

On January 25, 2005, the Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team (BENT) received information of the narcotics purchase and set up surveillance at the Umatilla Marina. Shortly before 3:00 p.m., several persons showed up and an exchange was witnesses by officers. As BENT team members moved in to take the suspects into custody, one of them ran down to the river and jumped into the water. While in the water, the suspect threw the narcotics and money that was on him.

Officers continued to order the suspect out of the water, but he refused and swam into deeper water before officers could reach him.

Officers called for search and rescue support, along with medical personnel, to respond. A private boat was located to assist with reaching the suspect. Before officers and the boat operator could reach the suspect, he gave up swimming and began to disappear under the water's surface. Attempts to rescue the suspect were unsuccessful.

The suspect was eventually recovered from the water by the Mid-Columbia Rescue Dive Team and was pronounced deceased at the scene. He has been identified as ARTURO HERNANDEZ, age 31, from Irrigon, Oregon.

Two suspects taken into custody are identified as JUAN MORA TOVAR, age 51, from Umatilla, and PEDRO JIMENEZ RODRIGUEZ, age 35, from Irrigon.

TOVAR was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

RODRIGUEZ was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine and Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine.

Both suspects were lodged in the Umatilla County Jail.

Officers recovered just under two pounds of Crystal Methamphetamine and $16,000 cash. The seized methamphetamine has a street value of approximately $80,000.

Assistance at the scene was provided by the Umatilla Police Department, Umatilla Fire Department, and the Mid-Columbia Dive Team.

BENT is made up of detectives from the Milton-Freewater Police Department, Pendleton Police Department, Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, Morrow County Sheriff's Office, Umatilla Tribal Police, Oregon State Police, and Oregon National Guard.