ROGUE RIVER, Ore. (Sep. 22, 2026) — Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 17-year-old driver Friday in connection with a July crash that killed his passenger and sparked the East Evans Creek Fire, which eventually grew to more than 15,000 acres.
The juvenile driver was arrested Sept. 18 and is charged with criminally negligent homicide, reckless driving and second-degree criminal mischief. He was lodged at the Jackson County Juvenile Detention facility.
Because the suspect is a juvenile, authorities are not releasing his name.
The crash occurred at about 2:39 p.m. July 10 in the 18,000 block of East Evans Creek Road in rural Rogue River. Emergency dispatchers received a report of a rollover crash involving a 2002 Ford Ranger.
An Oregon Department of Forestry Type 6 engine with a two-person crew was patrolling in the area and arrived at the crash scene approximately 30 seconds after the call. The crew provided aid to those involved while simultaneously beginning firefighting efforts.
ODF personnel immediately requested additional air and ground resources, initiating a full fire response.
Within minutes, the fire spread through dry vegetation in the area, prompting evacuations of nearby residences. The East Evans Creek Fire ultimately grew to more than 15,000 acres.
The 18-year-old male passenger in the Ford Ranger suffered injuries in the crash and later died July 18 at a local hospital.
The victim’s name has not been released.
Investigators with the Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team responded to the crash. The preliminary investigation determined the truck had left a nearby licensed cannabis production location at a high rate of speed before crashing into a power pole.
Investigators also determined the driver did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash.
According to JCSO, analysis of physical and digital evidence was completed last week and confirmed that speed was the primary contributing factor in the crash.
The STAR Team is a specialized unit that investigates fatal and complex serious injury collisions. The team operates through a collaborative interagency agreement involving the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police Department, Ashland Police Department and Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
The case remains under investigation. Jackson County officials said additional information will be released by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
The victim’s name will not be released at this time.
All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
Discover more from Medford Alert News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
