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.
Woman, 71, Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on Robertson Bridge Road
A 71-year-old woman died Friday evening, November 6, in a single-vehicle crash on Robertson Bridge Road in Josephine County. Deputies say the westbound vehicle crossed into the opposite lane, left the roadway, and overturned in a ditch. The driver, identified as Dawn Burton, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
Ashland Massage Parlor Raided Amid Human Trafficking Investigation
Ashland police executed search warrants at 99 China massage parlor and a neighboring residence on November 6 following a three-month investigation into suspected illicit activity and possible human trafficking. Two female employees were arrested on licensing-related offenses. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
Klamath County Man Arrested on Six Child Sex Abuse Charges Following Investigation
Klamath County deputies arrested Sean Oroake, 32, on November 3 following a months-long investigation. Deputies served a search warrant in the 5000 block of South Etna, seizing evidence related to the investigation. Oroake was lodged at the Klamath County Jail on six counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse I and an Assault III charge from Douglas County.
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.
One Killed, Two Injured in Separate Josephine County Crashes
Two separate crashes in Josephine County on October 26 left one man dead and two others injured. Brent Smith, 54, died after his pickup rolled down an embankment near Murphy. Hours later, a fiery head-on collision in Wolf Creek injured two people and led to the arrest of Arthur Espinoza, 40.
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.
3 Children, Teacher Killed in Bend School Shooting; 16-Year-Old Suspect Dead
Three children and a teacher were killed in Thursday’s shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend. A 7-year-old child and a teacher were critically injured, and police say a community member pursued the 16-year-old shooter into the school and fatally shot him.
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.
Passing Attempt Ends in Fatal Head-On Crash on Highway 97
A 27-year-old Chiloquin man was killed Sunday night after Oregon State Police says his SUV crossed into oncoming traffic while attempting to pass another vehicle on Highway 97. The SUV collided head-on with a semi-truck; a passenger suffered minor injuries.
Three Killed When Driver Fleeing Police Crosses Center Line
Three people, including a 4-month-old girl, were killed Saturday in a head-on crash on Highway 42 in Myrtle Point. Oregon State Police says the other driver had fled an attempted police contact at high speed before losing control, crossing the center line, and striking the victims’ vehicle.
Bonanza Man Arrested in Klamath County Homicide Investigation
A Bonanza man has been arrested in connection with a homicide investigation after a 52-year-old man was found shot to death inside a vehicle on Whitetail Lane. Oregon State Police are leading the investigation and are asking anyone with additional information to come forward.
Cave Junction Man Killed in Highway 199 Crash
A 72-year-old Cave Junction man was killed Friday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 199 in Josephine County. Oregon State Police say the pickup crossed the centerline and northbound lane before leaving the roadway and striking several trees.
Stolen Fire Command Vehicle Recovered After Pursuit Across Klamath County
A stolen Klamath County Fire District No. 1 command vehicle was recovered Friday after a pursuit through southeastern Klamath County. Deputies say the suspect was also linked to an earlier arson and burglary at a Highway 97 gas station.
21-Year-Old Eugene Driver Killed in Head-On Crash on Highway 97
A 21-year-old Eugene man was killed Saturday night in a head-on crash on Highway 97 in Klamath County. OSP says the Honda crossed into the southbound lane for unknown reasons and collided with a semi-truck near milepost 200.
International Darknet Investigation Leads to Federal Search in Medford
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.
Suspects Identified, Charges Announced After Walgreens Robbery, I-5 Pursuit
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.
Armed Robbery Investigation Leads to I-5 Pursuit, Arrests Near Grants Pass
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.
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.
Man Killed in Klamath Falls Shooting; Suspect Arrested
A 54-year-old man was killed in a shooting Thursday night in Klamath Falls. Police say the investigation led to multiple search warrants and the arrest of a 46-year-old man on charges including second-degree murder.