Earlier today, at about 6:50 a.m., Medford Police officers and rescue personnel were dispatched to a report of shots fired in the 600 block of Belmont Street. Another caller reported that a person was down on the ground.
Upon arrival, officers found a male laying outside on the ground, suffering from gunshot wounds. Life saving efforts were made, but not successful. The person was pronounced deceased. The case was turned over to detectives.
The shooter was on scene and cooperated with law enforcement. The investigation revealed that the decedent, a 31 year old male, was outside causing a disturbance after an apparent night of drinking. The decedent did not live in the area, but was visiting an associate who lives nearby, whom he was upset with.
A California resident, visiting a neighbors house, heard the commotion and confronted the disorderly individual. The conversation deteriorated and the disorderly individual produced a handgun and fired at the person, who had a concealed handgun license and was carrying a handgun. This individual returned fire, ultimately killing the decedent. No one else was injured.
Medford Police Detectives were assisted by the Jackson County DA’s Office and the Oregon State Police Crime lab.
The scene investigation was completed by 2:00 p.m. and the scene was released. The shooter has not been charged, and the case will be refereed to the District Attorney’s Office.
The decedent will not been identified pending notification of next of kin.
Courtesy of MPD
