Armed Suspects Sought in Albany Medical Marijuana Robbery

Deputies believe the residence was targeted because it is a grow site for numerous medical marijuana patients.

In the past three months, the Linn County Sheriff's Office has seen an uptick in robberies involving violence related to illegal narcotics. Photo: Linn County Sheriff

(ALBANY, Ore. ) - Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley reports his office received a report of a home invasion robbery at approximately 3:00 a.m. this morning.

During the investigation deputies learned that up to five suspects forced their way into two residences located on the same piece of residential property. The property is located in the 39000 block of Santiam Bluffs Road in Albany.

The victims told deputies that the unknown suspects were armed with firearms, wearing ski masks and bullet proof vests. The two victims, 66-year-old Robert Bender of Albany and 27-year-old Frederick McKenney, of Albany, were bound with zip ties during the robbery. Neither victim was injured in the robbery.

Deputies do not believe this was a random robbery. They believe the residence was targeted because it is a grow site for numerous medical marijuana patients. Taken during the robbery were several firearms, a large amount of marijuana, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

In the past three months, the Linn County Sheriff's Office has seen an uptick in robberies involving violence related to illegal narcotics.

In early March, deputies investigated a stabbing in the area of Knox Butte Road and Highway 20 in Albany. Deputies learned the robbery was related to illegal narcotics including heroin and methamphetamine.

In early May, deputies investigated an armed robbery of two people in the area of Cyrus Road in Albany. During this robbery, the suspects, armed with firearms, confronted the two victims in an effort to steal cash and marijuana.

Arrests were made in both of those cases.

This investigation is continuing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Mike Harmon at (541) 967-3950.

Source: Linn County Sheriff's Office

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