MEDFORD, Ore. (Sep. 2, 2026) — Automated License Plate Reader technology played a key role in helping Medford police identify two people arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a Walgreens and a subsequent vehicle pursuit that ended on Interstate 5, authorities said.
The investigation began Aug. 30 at about 8:45 p.m., when Medford Police Department officers responded to a reported armed robbery at the Walgreens on West Main Street.
Store employees told police they confronted a man and woman who were attempting to leave the store with a shopping cart filled with unpaid merchandise. During the confrontation, the female suspect allegedly produced a handgun, pointed it at an employee and threatened to shoot.
The suspects then left the area in a white midsize SUV with a black roof rack. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects or vehicle at the time.
Security footage later corroborated the employees’ statements, and investigators obtained video and still images of the suspects and the vehicle.
On Sept. 1 at about 12:30 p.m., an MPD officer located the suspected vehicle near Sage Road and Highway 238. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled at a high rate of speed.
Due to the nature of the underlying armed robbery investigation, officers initiated a pursuit. The vehicle traveled through several areas before entering Interstate 5 northbound.
Medford police were assisted by the Oregon State Police and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office during the pursuit.
The pursuit continued northbound on I-5, where officers made multiple attempts to deploy spike strips. Spike strips were successfully deployed near milepost 54, bringing the suspect vehicle to a stop.
Both occupants were taken into custody. Interstate 5 traffic was significantly slowed during the incident but has since reopened.
Following an extensive investigation, Medford police detectives successfully used Automated License Plate Reader technology, along with other investigative information, to identify the suspects and connect the vehicle to the investigation.
Police identified the suspects as Sharlene Elizabeth Paul, 49, and Cody Katcheech, 36. Both were lodged in the Jackson County Jail on charges related to the Aug. 30 Walgreens robbery and the Sept. 1 vehicle elude.
Paul was lodged on charges of first-degree robbery, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree kidnapping, vehicle elude, reckless driving and second-degree theft.
Katcheech was lodged on charges of probation violation, felony driving while suspended and second-degree theft.
The case has been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
Automated License Plate Reader technology has become the subject of growing discussion locally and nationwide as law enforcement agencies expand their use of the systems.
Supporters say ALPRs can provide investigators with valuable leads after crimes, helping identify vehicles connected to robberies, shootings, stolen vehicles and missing-person cases.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy, data retention and the potential for the technology to create detailed records of where people travel, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.
Oregon lawmakers also recently placed new restrictions on law enforcement use of ALPR systems. A 2026 state law limits when agencies may use ALPR technology and captured data, generally allowing its use for specified law enforcement purposes, including identifying vehicles connected to crimes.
The law also limits retention of captured data to 30 days unless it is related to an ongoing criminal investigation or court proceeding, restricts certain data sharing and requires agencies to establish policies governing ALPR use.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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