Crook County Sheriff's Office Investigates Multiple Incidents

Reports include child abuse, DUI, hit-and-run, and other crimes in the Prineville area

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged car windshield, lit by a harsh direct flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the types of property damage incidents investigated by the Crook County Sheriff's Office.A recent spate of motor vehicle crashes and property damage incidents has kept the Crook County Sheriff's Office busy responding to a range of public safety concerns.Prineville Today

The Crook County Sheriff's Office responded to a variety of incidents over the past few weeks, including reports of child abuse, driving under the influence, hit-and-run crashes, and other crimes in the Prineville, Oregon area. The log details arrests made and investigations launched by deputies during this period.

Why it matters

These types of incidents highlight the range of public safety concerns that law enforcement in rural communities like Prineville must address on a regular basis. The reports provide insight into the challenges faced by the Crook County Sheriff's Office in maintaining order and responding to diverse criminal activities.

The details

The sheriff's log details a variety of incidents investigated by deputies over the past few weeks. This includes a report of child sex abuse, several DUI arrests following crashes, a hit-and-run collision, and the arrests of two individuals for child neglect. Deputies also assisted the Prineville Police Department with warrant arrests and reports of disorderly conduct.

  • On March 28, deputies assisted Prineville PD with a warrant arrest and a report of disorderly conduct.
  • On March 29, deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash and arrested a woman for DUII.
  • On April 1, a deputy investigated a report of child sex abuse.
  • On April 6, two individuals were arrested for child neglect.
  • On April 7 and 8, deputies responded to additional motor vehicle crashes and made arrests for driving while suspended.

The players

Heather Bartz

A 26-year-old Prineville resident who was arrested for DUII following a motor vehicle crash on March 29.

Michael Cain Sr.

A 44-year-old Prineville resident who was arrested twice, first on April 6 for child neglect and again on April 10 for violation of a jail release agreement.

Alisia Joaquin

A 32-year-old Prineville resident who was arrested along with Michael Cain Sr. on April 6 for child neglect and again on April 10 for violation of a jail release agreement.

Mathew Falconer

A 21-year-old Culver resident who was arrested for driving while suspended following a motor vehicle crash on April 8.

Nicholas Watkins

A 40-year-old Prineville resident who was arrested for driving while suspended on April 7.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

These incidents demonstrate the diverse range of public safety concerns that law enforcement in rural communities like Prineville must address on an ongoing basis, from property crimes and traffic violations to more serious allegations of child abuse. The Crook County Sheriff's Office continues to work to maintain order and respond to a variety of criminal activities in the region.