Two Suspects Arrested After Early-Morning Burglary in Rural Central Point

Central Point, Oregon– Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies apprehended two suspects yesterday following an early-morning burglary in rural Central Point. The incident unfolded when a JCSO Community Service Deputy received a report from ECSO Dispatch just after 8 a.m. regarding a burglary in the 5700 block of Upton Road.

Subsequently, JCSO deputies identified multiple suspects and traced them to an address in the 100 block of Laurelhurst Street, also in rural Central Point. A search warrant was obtained for the property, leading to the discovery of a female suspect on-site. Additionally, during the initial property search, deputies uncovered another suspect concealed under a shed. Despite initial resistance, the individual surrendered after deputies employed pepper spray and a K9 unit.

Assistance from the JCSO Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) was sought for the arrest and property search. Investigators uncovered a cache of items, including 10 firearms (one of which was reported stolen), an AR-style rifle lacking a serial number, body armor, an unlawfully manufactured silencer, methamphetamine, heroin, Butane Honey Oil (BHO), 35 lbs. of processed cannabis, 58.3 grams of fentanyl, and nearly $19,000 in cash.

The arrested individuals were identified as Kelli Margaret Hernandez, 44, of Medford, and Mickey Ray Galatz, 28, of Central Point. Hernandez faces charges of conspiracy to commit second-degree burglary and hindering prosecution.

Galatz, on the other hand, faces a number of charges, including second-degree burglary, first and second-degree theft, second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree trespass, interfering with a peace officer, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of body armor, possession of a prohibited firearm, unlawful possession and distribution of methamphetamine and heroin, and unlawful possession and distribution of fentanyl.

Galatz also faces five outstanding warrants, encompassing probation violations and charges from Klamath County.

The investigation into this case remains ongoing, with deputies pursuing additional leads. According to officials, no further information was available for release at this time.