A 20-year-old Bend man who was arrested earlier this year in connection with torching a car driven during the hit-and-run death of bicyclist Kimberly Ann Potter has been arrested again – this time on drug charges for the alleged sale of OxyContin, police said.

Robert Jennings Battles - DCJ photo

Detectives working with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team assisted by Bend Police officers took Robert Jennings Battles, 20, into custody during a traffic stop at NW Columbia Street and NW Kingston Avenue about 4:40 p.m. on Monday, Bend Police Lt. John Gautney reported.

Battles was accused of torching the 2000 Mercedes Benz driven by Christopher Goodson, 22, of San Diego, California, who was charged with criminally negligent homicide and other crimes in connection with the hit-and-run death of 41-year old Bend resident Kimberly Ann Potter on April 17.  Battles is scheduled to stand trial for second-degree arson in February, and was released from jail on bail.

An investigation into the hit-and-run, a crime scene described by Bend Police Captain Jim Porter as “horrific”, ultimately led to the arrest of Battles; Christopher Goodson, the alleged driver; Goodson’s 51-year old father, George Harold Goodson; and Goodson’s stepbrother, Eric Allen Brown, 20.  The father was found dead of an overdose of alcohol, sleeping pills and painkillers in the Westward Ho Motel on May 15.

Following Monday’s arrest, Battle’s home at 1014 NW Columbia Street was searched, where evidence of his alleged involvement in selling OxyContin -- a strong narcotic pain reliever only available by prescription – was found, the lieutenant said. 

“OxyContin is a commonly abused drug among addicts, is a common prescription drug that is sold on the street and has a high potential for abuse and addiction,” Gautney said.  OxyContin, the brand name for oxycodone, is a Schedule II drug, which falls under the same classification as methamphetamine, he added.

Gautney said that during the investigation, detectives learned that another person allegedly bought the OxyContin from local pharmacies, the drugs were divided up, and Battles then allegedly sold them.

Battles was lodged in the Deschutes County Jail and is charged with two counts each of manufacture, possession, and delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance; and frequenting a place where illegal drugs are kept or sold.