Southern Oregon & Northern California News
Latest local news from Southern Oregon and Northern California, covering Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Jackson County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Siskiyou County, Del Norte County, and communities throughout the region.
Medford Man Sentenced to Five Years for Parking Lot Shooting
David Michael Somers, 42, was sentenced to five years in prison following his conviction on three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm and one count of Menacing. The charges stemmed from a July 21 shooting outside Spirits World in Medford. The sentence is among the first imposed under a new Jackson County District Attorney's Office firearm prosecution policy.
Eight Displaced After Fire Damages Medford Apartments
A two-alarm fire at an apartment complex on East 9th Street in Medford displaced eight residents and damaged four units on October 29. Firefighters rescued two cats, and nearby painters helped alert residents to the danger. Investigators believe the fire began on an exterior balcony, but the cause remains undetermined.
Grand Jury Finds Officer Justified in Ashland Shooting
A Jackson County grand jury has determined that Ashland Police Officer Alex Vela was legally justified in shooting Phillip Battaglia, 36, during an October 26 confrontation on A Street. Newly released evidence details the encounter, including two shots fired, body-camera footage, and statements made to investigators. Battaglia faces five criminal charges.
Ashland Police Officer Shoots Knife-Armed Suspect
An Ashland Police officer shot and wounded a knife-armed suspect early Monday morning after responding to a business alarm on A Street. The suspect was transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center, and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation.
22 Arrested in Domestic Violence Sweep
Medford Police joined regional law enforcement agencies in a domestic violence warrant sweep on October 14, resulting in 22 arrests and 28 warrants cleared. The operation also connected four victims with support services.
Another Fire Hits The Loring as Medford Moves Toward Eminent Domain
Another fire has damaged The Loring on Biddle Road as Medford moves toward eminent domain proceedings for the former hotel property. The city says the building remains unsafe and uninhabitable after years of water damage, fires, unauthorized occupancy, and repeated police calls.
Missing Nevada Man Found Buried at Property Tied to Williams Highway Deaths
The search for missing Nevada man Andrew Forrest Odom has ended at the same Williams Highway property where two members of his family were found dead earlier this week. Oregon State Police says Odom’s remains were discovered buried on the property Thursday, two days after a barricaded incident involving gunfire directed at detectives.
MPD Investigates Two Deaths After Barricade Incident on Williams Highway
Medford police are investigating after two people were found dead inside a residence along Williams Highway in Josephine County. Oregon State Police detectives were following up on a missing person case when an individual reportedly fired at them, prompting a barricaded-subject response involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Two Police Eludes, Two Crashes, Major Drug Seizure
A Medford man is jailed after authorities say repeated attempts to flee police ended in two crashes and multiple search warrants. Investigators say the searches uncovered more than 100 grams of fentanyl, nearly 400 grams of heroin, methamphetamine, drug-dealing supplies, and a loaded handgun.
Medford Bank Robber Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison
Anthony James Blank, 44, was sentenced to 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to robbing a KeyBank on East Barnett Road in Medford. Investigators say Blank threatened a teller with a note claiming he had a gun before fleeing with $295 on a scooter.
Three injured in five-vehicle crash on Crater Lake Highway
Three people were injured and five vehicles were damaged Wednesday after a driver traveled against traffic on Crater Lake Highway, crossed the median near Poplar Drive, and struck vehicles stopped at a red light. Medford Police say the driver showed signs of impairment and later indicated the crash was intentional.
Medford Felon Indicted in Guns, Silencers and Explosive Device Case
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.
Two Face Charges in Medford Drive-By Shooting Investigation
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.
White City Man Dies After Becoming Unresponsive During JCSO Arrest
A 39-year-old White City man died Tuesday night after becoming unresponsive during a Jackson County sheriff’s DUII arrest near Table Rock Road and Orr Drive. Medford Police is leading the outside investigation, while autopsy and toxicology results remain pending.
Eight Suspects Arrested in Jackson County Child Exploitation Sweep
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.
Police Identify Suspect in Medford KeyBank Robbery; Search Continues (UPDATED)
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.
Medford Man Indicted on 12 Charges in Child Sexual Abuse Material Case
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.
Gunfire Erupts During Medford Parking Dispute
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.
Burglary Suspect Arrested After Medford SWAT Standoff
Medford police said 44-year-old Richard Estrada Jr. was arrested Monday after a SWAT standoff at a Grandview Drive residence. Police said he was wanted in connection with a July 1 burglary on Lawnridge Street involving stolen firearms.
Wimer Woman Killed in Domestic Violence Shooting
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the death of Onalea Clay, 59, of Wimer, after authorities say a man reported shooting a woman during a domestic violence altercation at a rural Sykes Creek Road home.