According to a report released Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, a study indicates that Oregon State Troopers disproportionately stop motorists of color. Researchers recommend further data analysis and that state troopers seek training from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. 

A pair of teenagers from the Oregon Youth Authority remain on the run Wednesday morning after escaping from custody Tuesday evening.

Brittain McAuliffe and Micah West, both 18, escaped from the Camp Riverbend Youth Transitional Facility outside of La Grande. The pair were spotted by an OYA employee Wednesday morning just before 10 a.m. near the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing on Highway 30.

Police brought in a fixed-wing airplane to help with the search. Troopers from the Oregon State Police, along with the Union County Sheriff’s Office and OYA employees were conducting the search on the ground around the interpretive park, according to OSP.

West and McAuliffe fled from Camp Riverbend on Highway 244 around 7:50 p.m.

Benjamin Chambers, the communications director for OYA in Salem, said staff became aware of the missing men Tuesday within 15 minutes and promptly notified law enforcement. Chambers said West and McAuliffe left “through the gate.”

“We immediately locked down the facility and changed our procedures for how we authorize people entering and leaving the facility, to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” he said.

Chambers said OYA is investigating how the duo managed to walk out of Camp Riverbend.

“We want to do a full investigation before we comment,” he said.

This is the first successful escape from Camp Riverbend since 2008, according to Chambers.

OSP Sgt. Kyle Hove said law enforcement focused much of its search along Highway 244 which runs past the Riverbend facility and Interstate 84, less than a mile from Riverbend.

The OSP is being assisted in its search by the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

McAuliffe, of Klamath Falls, was originally sent to Riverbend for charges of second degree escape, resisting arrest and second degree criminal mischief. He was committed to OYA in June 2012, Chambers said.

West, of Salem, was at Riverbend for charges of minor in possession and unlawful possession of marijuana. He has been at Riverbend since August 2014.

“Riverbend is a transitional facility, so they were there working toward a supervisory release,” Chambers said.

The escape could lead to new charges, and West and McAuliffe may be charged as adults, Chambers said.

“If that were to happen, they wouldn’t remain in OYA custody,” he said. “They are over 18 and could end up in prison.”

McAuliffe is 5-foot-10, 220 pounds with a stocky build and tattoos on both forearms, one of which is described as “Native Pride.” His hair is short on the sides and 6 inches long on the top with a ponytail. He was wearing glasses, a white tank top, black shorts with a red stripe and black and red mid-top shoe, according to the OSP.

West is 5-foot-11, 155 pounds with multiple tattoos, one of which is described as a derringer pistol on his arm. He also has an eagle tattoo on his chest and a cross tattoo on his left forearm. He is bald and was wearing a dark blue hoodie or white T-shirt and blue jeans.

State police cautions anyone who identifies McAuliffe or West to not approach, use caution and immediately contact law enforcement.