A child exploitation investigation that began overseas led federal, state, and local authorities to serve a search warrant at a Medford residence Wednesday. Investigators seized digital devices and are working to identify a suspect.

Two drivers were seriously injured in a head-on crash on West Griffin Creek Road after a 2025 Toyota RAV4 crossed into oncoming traffic. JCSO says the 34-year-old driver was later arrested for DUII after a blood draw showed a .20% BAC.

Medford Police have identified the two people arrested after an armed robbery investigation led to a pursuit north on Interstate 5. Sharlene Elizabeth Paul, 49, and Cody Katcheech, 36, now face charges tied to the Walgreens robbery and Tuesday’s chase.

A Medford armed robbery investigation ended with a pursuit north on Interstate 5 after officers located the suspect vehicle near Sage Road and Highway 238. Spike strips stopped the SUV near Grants Pass, where the occupants were taken into custody.

A Medford man faces federal charges after investigators say they recovered nine firearms and homemade silencers from his residence. Prosecutors say the case later expanded to include alleged threats against a witness and an explosive device detonated in a vehicle at the witness’s home.

Medford Police say two men are now facing charges in connection with an August drive-by shooting on Carnelian Street. Investigators used video evidence to identify a suspected vehicle and later developed probable cause linking Phillip Muradanes and Joel Caswell to the shooting.

Firefighters from Medford Fire, Jackson County Fire District 3, and Jacksonville Fire Department knocked down a large structure fire Wednesday evening in west Medford. Crews faced water supply challenges, and West Main Street was temporarily closed during the response.

Jacksonville businessman Joel Caswell has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for tax evasion, employment tax crimes, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution to the IRS.

A 20-year-old Medford man was arrested Monday on rape and sexual abuse charges following an investigation involving a 15-year-old girl. Jackson County sheriff’s detectives say they believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact the Special Victims Unit.

Luis Puga-Mendoza, 42, has been sentenced to 12½ years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree sexual abuse involving two minor victims. The consecutive Measure 11 sentences must be served day-for-day without reductions.

Multiple vehicles and trailers were damaged Tuesday after a fire broke out at a storage facility along East Vilas Road in Medford. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze before it could spread farther through the property. No injuries were reported.

Zach Patrick Moenaert was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to six felony sex crimes involving two children. Prosecutors said he abused the children over about six years and created numerous recordings documenting the abuse.

Eight local suspects were arrested during a coordinated child exploitation operation involving separate investigations across Southern Oregon. Seven were taken into custody in Jackson County, while a Talent suspect was arrested in Washington. Together, they face 71 felony counts of encouraging child sexual abuse.

A Red Flag Warning will cover the Rogue, Illinois, and Applegate valleys from Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening as dry, gusty weather raises fire danger. A Heat Advisory follows Tuesday through Thursday, with some inland communities forecast to reach 105 to 110 degrees.

Medford’s monthly utility charge for single-family homes increased from $76.53 to $85.91 on July 1. The higher rate will first appear on August bills and helps fund sewer service, public safety, storm drains, street maintenance and parks across the city.

Medford police have identified the suspect in Thursday’s KeyBank robbery on East Barnett Road. Detectives say they have probable cause to arrest Anthony James Blank, 44, but he remained at large after officers served a search warrant at his residence.

A 29-year-old Medford man has been indicted on 12 charges after investigators examined a mobile device reported to contain child sexual abuse material. Police arrested him July 23 at a Bennett Avenue residence, and a Jackson County grand jury returned the indictment Tuesday.

A 62-year-old Medford man died Thursday night after the semi-truck he was driving struck another semi that had stopped in the westbound lane of Highway 26 near Sandy, according to Oregon State Police. The highway was affected for approximately five hours.

A man was arrested Tuesday after Medford police say a parking dispute escalated into threats and gunfire near a Stevens Street business. Multiple rounds were reportedly fired, but no one was struck. Officers later located the suspect vehicle on Campus Drive and made an arrest.

A Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for much of Southern Oregon as forecasters expect thunderstorms, abundant lightning and gusty outflow winds Wednesday over fuels already primed for rapid fire growth.