State Trooper Attacked, Oct. 26

On October 22, 2016 at about 10:35pm, an OSP Fish and Wildlife Trooper observed a white Chevrolet Blazer driving on Burgess Road which was crossing the center line and speeding. The trooper attempted to stop the vehicle for suspicion of DUII and several traffic violations. A pursuit ensued and the suspect eventually pulled into the driveway of his residence at 53156 Day Road in LaPine. The driver, later identified as Alexander DIRIENZO, age 50, exited his vehicle and began to walk towards his residence. DIRIENZO failed to follow commands and continued walking towards his residence. DIRIENZO, who was known by the trooper as a violent individual, challenged him to the ground and that he was under arrest. DIRIENZO ignored these commands and began to walk towards the trooper in an aggressive manner. The trooper deployed his Taser on DIRIENZO twice without success and then used pepper spray on him with little effect. DIRIENZO began to assault the trooper and violently tried to disarm a rifle from the trooper. DIRIENZO continued to punch the trooper in the face while trying to disarm him. The trooper managed to defend himself by punching DIRIENZO back who let go of the trooper’s rifle. DIRIENZO fled into the residence and a short time later a female exited stating he had fled out the back. The trooper received minor injuries as a result of the incident. Since that encounter, law enforcement has been searching for DIRIENZO. On October 24, 2016 at about 3:20PM, an OSP Patrol Division Trooper stopped a vehicle on Burgess Road near Day Road in LaPine where DIRIENZO was a passenger. DIRIENZO was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Deschutes County Jail on the following charges: Robbery in the First Degree, Assaulting a Public Safety Officer, Attempt to Elude Police Officer — Vehicle and On Foot, Reckless Driving, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Resisting Arrest, Interfering With a Police Officer, Unlawful Use Of a Weapon, Theft in the First Degree and Escape in the Second Degree.