Medford Man Arrested After Incident Near Phoenix High School

Phoenix, Oregon– Earlier this afternoon, the Phoenix Police Department responded to reports of an individual sighted walking along the irrigation ditch, west of Phoenix High School, carrying a handgun. The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:26 pm, prompted immediate action from law enforcement authorities.

Five officers from the Phoenix Police Department, accompanied by a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy, mobilized to a wooded area situated west of the railroad tracks, running parallel to Phoenix High School. As a precautionary measure, Phoenix High School, Phoenix Elementary School, and the Head Start Pre-School were placed on “Lock-out,” a security protocol designed to safeguard students and staff in the event of a nearby threat.

“Lock-out” entails the securement of all perimeter doors and gates, effectively preventing unauthorized entry into the school premises while allowing normal classroom activities to continue uninterrupted. This proactive measure ensured the safety of everyone within the educational institutions’ vicinity.

At 2:02 pm, authorities successfully located the suspect within the wooded area, approximately half a mile northwest of the high school. Contrary to initial reports, the individual was not found in possession of a firearm but was apprehended with two bladed weapons. The suspect attempted to conceal the weapons prior to police contact, but a brief search led to their discovery.

Following the resolution of the incident, the lockdown measures were promptly lifted, and normal activities resumed across all affected schools. The swift and coordinated response from law enforcement ensured minimal disruption to the educational environment.

The apprehended individual, identified as Brian E. Smith, aged 42, with a listed address in Medford, was arrested on two outstanding warrants and subsequently transported to the Jackson County Jail. Authorities are considering additional charges related to the possession of bladed weapons, pending further investigation.

The Phoenix Police Department commended the collaborative efforts of all involved agencies and emphasized their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community, particularly in and around school premises.