MEDFORD, Ore. (Dec 3, 2025) — A Jackson County Grand Jury has determined that a Medford police officer acted lawfully when he used deadly force during a Nov. 23 confrontation with a man armed with a handgun, prosecutors announced Tuesday. The panel also returned an indictment against the suspect on multiple charges stemming from the incident.
The grand jury convened Dec. 2 to review evidence in the shooting of 30-year-old Shane Wesley Smith in the 3600 block of Mallard Lane. According to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, all officer-involved shootings in the county are automatically presented to a grand jury to determine whether deadly force was justified under Oregon law.
Prosecutors said the inquiry focused on whether Medford Police Officer Eduardo Villagran reasonably believed Smith posed an imminent threat of death or serious injury when officers confronted him after a vehicle pursuit. The panel reviewed body-worn and dash camera footage and heard testimony from investigators and involved officers before reaching its decision.
Authorities said the episode began early Nov. 23 when Smith’s ex-wife called law enforcement, reporting that he had argued with her, made suicidal threats, and left with a handgun. She told dispatchers Smith had threatened to provoke a shootout with police if she called 911.
Medford Police Officer Zachary Mailand soon located Smith driving in the area and observed him crossing into oncoming lanes, running a stop sign, and failing to stop at a red light. When Mailand attempted a traffic stop, Smith allegedly failed to yield, continued driving recklessly, and nearly crashed while turning before pulling into a driveway on Mallard Lane. Mailand stopped behind him, using his patrol car door for cover as Officer Villagran arrived to assist.
Officers said Smith opened his door but remained inside, appearing to reach around the vehicle while refusing commands to show his hands. Mailand holstered his firearm and drew his Taser, believing he might have an opportunity to subdue Smith before he exited the vehicle with a gun.
As officers briefly turned their attention toward a resident who stepped onto the home’s porch, Smith exited the vehicle armed with a handgun. Prosecutors said he raised the weapon skyward at about head level and ignored repeated orders to drop it.
Mailand deployed his Taser, but only one probe made contact, causing Smith to lower his arm — and the handgun — toward Mailand. Believing the officer was in imminent danger, Villagran fired a single round, striking Smith in the left hand. The round mushroomed and later caused only minor injury after striking his chest.
Mailand fired his Taser a second time, this time achieving full neuromuscular incapacitation and causing Smith to fall and release the gun.
Prosecutors said that immediately after the shooting, Smith told a responding sergeant that he had intended to provoke officers to shoot him. Smith later reiterated to investigators that he had wanted to die and believed the officer was justified in firing.
A loaded handgun, including a chambered round, was recovered at the scene.
After reviewing the evidence, the grand jury found Villagran’s use of deadly force lawful under ORS 161.242.
The panel also indicted Smith on charges of attempting to elude police, driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm, and menacing. He remains in the Jackson County Jail and is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment Dec. 3 at 1:45 p.m.
District Attorney Patrick Green presented the case to the grand jury. Due to the pending criminal proceedings, prosecutors said no additional information will be released.
Authorities encouraged anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support at any time.
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