Scroll to the bottom of the article for the latest updates.
Earlier this morning, multiple Medford Police (MPD) and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) units converged near the intersection of OR238 and N.Ross Lane in northwest Medford.
Law enforcement was searching for a dangerous suspect that reportedly has a history of violence and active warrants out of Ohio. Police believe he may be armed.
The vehicle the suspect ditched while attempting to flee came back as stolen. Police also located an empty handgun holster inside the vehicle. The suspect is described as a male with partially removed face tattoos.
The industrial area the suspect is hiding in has a number of large buildings and houses dozens of different businesses. The western side of the complex borders a large neighborhood off Kingswood Dr.
Shortly after 8:45a, 911 dispatchers reported that a person claiming to be a relative of the suspect was on the phone. The relative said the suspect called them and wanted them to create a diversion for police so they could escape. The suspect admitted to being on the roof of one of the many industrial buildings in the area.
Police requested a Medford Fire (MFD) ladder truck to the scene to assist. MPD also has at least one drone airborne, searching for the suspect from the sky.
There are slight impacts to one westbound lane on OR238 just prior to N. Ross Lane, avoid the area if possible. Police currently focusing on an area of the complex near Brian Way and Lars.
If you live or work in the area, do not attempt to confront the suspect if you see him, call 911 immediately.
10:19a UPDATE: Medford Police ask residents in the area to stay inside. Avoid this area until this situation is resolved.
10:27a UPDATE: Police are closing in on the suspect. ALL westbound OR238 being closed at Sage. ALL eastbound traffic on OR238 at Kingswood being shut down too.
10:35a UPDATE: Police also shutting down northbound Ross Lane traffic prior to Logos School.
10:39a UPDATE: A Medford Police SWAT Team is almost to the scene to assist. Police have made verbal contact with the suspect.
10:41a UPDATE: Shots fired inside the business by the suspect. Police report multiple rounds being fired inside of where the suspect is held up.
10:44a UPDATE: Suspect is now holding the gun to his own head, police attempting to reestablish communication with him. A JCSO SWAT Team is also now on scene.
10:47a UPDATE: Suspect has now pointed his weapons towards nearby officers. Police awaiting additional SWAT Team to get into position assist.
11:03a UPDATE: ODOT and Medford Quick Response Team (QRT) have units heading to the scene to take over traffic closures.
11:07a UPDATE: Current map of street closures in the area.
11:09a UPDATE: Logos school is currently initiating a Shelter-in-Place protocol as a precaution. Police are on scene assisting with dropping off and pickup of students through the main entrance only at this time.
11:33a UPDATE: RVTD says that due to this situation there is a detour in place on the Route 27: Crosstown West. The route is detouring to W. McAndrews and not currently serving a portion of N. Ross Lane.
11:44a UPDATE: Police units near the building that the suspect is held up in are reporting hearing machine-like noises. Believe the suspect may be attempting to operate a Hyster that is inside.
12:03p UPDATE: Additional UAV resources are enroute to the scene. JCSO SAR will provide at least one additional drone to assist.
12:46p UPDATE: “The police operation continues at Lars Way and Brian Way. We have multiple officers, SWAT and personnel from the Jackson County Sheriff’s office, Central Point Police and Oregon State Police on site. For the safety of the public, we continue to ask everyone to avoid this area. The road closure on Rossanley Road between Sage Road and Kingswood Drive continues for the time being”. Official statement from MPD.
1:31p UPDATE: Officer radio traffic says the suspect currently has “no indication to surrender.”
2:10p UPDATE: MPD Crisis Negotiators are in communication with the armed suspect who remains in a warehouse off Brian Way.
4p UPDATE: The suspect continues to verbally threaten police as this standoff now enters hour eight.
4:20p UPDATE: Medford Police have released official details regarding this incident. LINK
4:38p UPDATE: Suspect is in custody. There is no current community threat. No additional information is available e at this time.
This is a developing incident, Medford Alert will continue to monitor and provide updates at they become available.
