Meth, Cocaine, and Fentanyl Discovered After Pursuit Suspect Arrested

On December 22, 2022 at approximately 10:30 PM, a deputy with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 at the Manzanita Rest Area northbound.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued through the rest area and back onto the interstate. The pursuit lasted about ½ mile before the driver stopped in the median and fled on foot across the southbound lanes of travel. A foot pursuit ensued. The driver was located trying to go over a barbed wire fence and was taken into custody.

The driver had a confirmed warrant for his arrest for DCS-Meth, DCS-Cocaine, DCS Heroin and Felon in Possession of a Weapon.

Inside of the vehicle deputies located approximately 184 grams of Methamphetamine, approximately 10 grams of Heroin, approximately 5 grams of Cocaine, approximately 8 grams of Fentanyl and several Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 prescription medications. Scales and cash were also seized from the vehicle/suspect.

The suspect (Kenneth Murray, 56 years old) was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for the following charges:

Felony Elude, Misdemeanor Elude, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Schedule 2, Possession of Schedule 3 and the warrant.

All suspects are considered innocent until any/all charges are proven true against them in a court of law.