DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. (Jan. 30, 2026) — A 53-year-old Winston man was arrested after authorities received multiple 911 calls reporting a person firing a gun from a vehicle along Interstate 5 in Douglas County, Oregon State Police said.
Troopers and local law enforcement agencies responded at about 8:18 a.m. Thursday near milepost 128, where investigators said Charles Simmons was traveling northbound in a Dodge Ram pickup and discharging a firearm from inside the vehicle.
According to preliminary findings, Simmons also contacted pedestrians, attempted to stop other motorists and caused a crash with another vehicle that did not result in injuries, police said. He was located by law enforcement and taken into custody. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
After his arrest, investigators learned Simmons had previously contacted the Roseburg Oregon State Police office and made concerning statements about “foreign” drivers on Interstate 5. Police said they are investigating the incident as a possible bias crime.
Oregon State Police were assisted by the Roseburg, Winston and Sutherlin police departments, as well as the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Oregon State Police dispatch at 800-442-2068 or *677 from a mobile phone and reference case number SP26032714.
All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
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