This is an update to our live coverage of the incident as it took place earlier today.
Today at 12:21 p.m., Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a distress call reporting a burglary in the 13300 block of Highway 234 in rural Gold Hill. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies promptly relayed the suspect’s description and vehicle details to ECSO Dispatch, who issued an attempt-to-locate request to local law enforcement.
At 12:51 p.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and officers from the Medford Police Department (MPD) spotted the suspect’s vehicle in the 3200 block of Crater Lake Avenue. Attempting a traffic stop, the suspect, identified as Parker Joseph Latham, 31, of Medford, evaded law enforcement, leading them on a pursuit towards Delta Waters Road. The chase included running several red lights, prompting authorities to discontinue their traffic stop.
In a coordinated effort, JCSO deputies, together with MPD, OSP, and the JCSO SWAT Team, proceeded to the suspect’s listed address in the 2700 block of Wilkshire Drive in Medford. Upon reaching the location, Latham barricaded himself inside the residence.
Negotiations ensued, and law enforcement authorities made repeated announcements for the suspect to surrender peacefully. At 1:24 p.m., Latham finally exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident.
Latham now faces charges of burglary and eluding. Following his apprehension, he was booked and lodged in the Jackson County Jail. As the case remains open and active, JCSO deputies and detectives are conducting further investigations to gather more information.
For now, there are no additional details available for release.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Source: JCSO
