Central Point Police Officer Injured as Wanted Fugitive Attempts Wild Escape

Medford, Oregon- Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies apprehended Joshua Edward McLaughlin, 34, of Butte Falls, at the OK Market outside of downtown Medford yesterday afternoon. McLaughlin, wanted on eight warrants including first-degree burglary and multiple counts of felony elude, is now held at the Jackson County Jail.

Earlier that morning, around 4:30 a.m., McLaughlin evaded law enforcement by intentionally crashing into a Central Point Police Department (CPPD) patrol car. During this incident, he also struck a CPPD officer with his side view mirror. The officer sustained minor injuries and is expected to fully recover. CPPD has probable cause to file additional charges against McLaughlin, including elude, felony hit and run, reckless driving, three counts of reckless endangering, second-degree criminal mischief, interfering, third-degree assault, attempted third-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and assault on a peace officer.

Later in the day, JCSO undercover detectives tracked McLaughlin to the OK Market on N. Riverside Avenue in Medford. JCSO patrol deputies followed him into the market and informed him he was under arrest. McLaughlin attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended. Despite resisting arrest, he was placed in handcuffs and taken to the Jackson County Jail on the existing warrants. He now faces new charges related to the JCSO arrest.

The case remains open, with deputies and officers continuing their investigation. No further information is available at this time.