JCSO Releases Details of Officer Involved Shooting at Hawthorne Park

Medford, Oregon- An investigation is underway into an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday morning, July 4, in Medford’s Hawthorne Park, after a man armed with a knife allegedly advanced toward police officers. The Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU) is leading the case, with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) taking the lead role, as is standard protocol in police use-of-force incidents.

According to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, the incident began around 8 a.m. when a Medford Police Department (MPD) officer contacted 55-year-old Salvador Alex Sanchez, a transient in the Medford area, along the Bear Creek Greenway. Sanchez was wanted on a felony warrant for two counts of unlawful use of a weapon related to a separate incident earlier this year.

Authorities say the officer called for backup when Sanchez became uncooperative and produced a large, fixed-blade knife. Despite multiple commands to drop the weapon, Sanchez reportedly refused and advanced toward one of the officers. In response, the officer discharged their handgun, striking Sanchez.

Officers at the scene rendered immediate medical aid. A Mercy Flights ambulance arrived in under five minutes, and Sanchez was transported to a local hospital. He remains in stable condition in the intensive care unit and is currently in custody.

The Oregon State Police also responded to the scene as part of the MADIU team, which investigates major assaults and deaths involving law enforcement personnel. The JCSO is leading the investigation, in line with Jackson County’s policy requiring an outside agency to take the lead in officer-involved shootings.

On Monday, July 7, prosecutors filed multiple charges against Sanchez, including attempted first-degree assault, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, and attempted second-degree escape. A Jackson County grand jury is expected to review the evidence and determine whether the use of deadly force by the officer was legally justified under Oregon law.

Both officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the grand jury review — a standard measure in such cases.

Further updates are expected from the District Attorney’s Office following the grand jury proceedings. No additional information has been released at this time.