Local News

Three Medford citizens were recognized for assisting a police officer in the line of duty.

Medford Mayor Michael Zarosinski and Chief Justin Ivens presented Tim and Suzanne Pike and Vincente Gutierrez with Citizen Appreciation Awards at the January 7th Council Meeting.

On December 14th, an officer with Medford Police engaged in a foot pursuit of a known revoked driver. The pursuit escalated into a prolonged physical struggle, during which the suspect attempted to seize the officer's duty pistol and taser while the officer was on his back, partially immobilized.

Recognizing the need for assistance, the three citizens stepped in to help. They followed the officer's direction and assisted in restraining the suspect, leading to a safe arrest. A minor injury was sustained by the officer, but no one else was hurt.

 

Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 56 Monday night.

Around 7:09 p.m., the driver of a brown Buick was traveling northbound while negotiating a right curve. He lost control of the vehicle, began sliding sideways, and hit the embankment, causing the vehicle to roll several times.

The driver told troopers he was traveling approximately 75 MPH at the time of the crash, and OSP cited him for Driving While Suspended and no insurance.

The driver and passenger of the vehicle were transported to Three Rivers Medical Center by AMR. The driver’s dog was injured during the incident, and then transported by OSP to Central Point for veterinary treatment. The Buick was towed from the scene.

 

Grants Pass Police pulled over a man after he failed to stop while emerging from a driveway Monday night.

The driver was observed on SE 6th Street and SE L Street, and was stopped at the corner of 7th and J Streets. The officer contacted the driver, Sallone Sheets, and found him to be driving while suspended.

Sheets wasn't driving for an emergent reason, so he was taken into custody. His vehicle was impounded, and his Parole Officer was contacted.

A detainer for Sheets was requested, and the officer subsequently transported him to the Josephine County Jail. Sheets was lodged on the detainer and a misdemeanor charge of Driving While Suspended.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will meet for a 5:30 p.m. Weekly Business Session and an Appointment for Commissioner Position 1 meeting Wednesday.

Interviews and an Appointment for the vacancy are on the agenda for the 10 a.m. meeting in the BCC Conference Room.

For their Weekly Business Session the board will hold a public hearing in the Matter of Annexations to the Josephine County Community Library District by Petition of Landowner without Election.

Requests and Comments from the public will follow, then the board will consider approval of the consent calendar. Pending other matters, the meeting will adjourn.

The session will be held in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium. Both meetings will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. Those wishing to attend in person must comply with the clear bag policy.

 

Grants Pass resident Terri Lee Brown is seeking justice after a wrongful imprisonment.

According to KDRV, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled she was wrongfully returned to prison, and now she is filing a $10 million lawsuit against Gov. Tina Kotek for damages.

Brown was initially released from prison in December 2020, eight months early, as part of a COVID-19 effort to reduce the prison population. She was serving a five year sentence for mail theft and drug possession.

Her attorney, Benjamin Haile, highlighted that hundreds of others were released under similar circumstances. After her release, Brown was rearrested twice for parole violations. However, by 2023, she had completed her post-release supervision.

Haile also said that by the time she was re-arrested, the sentence she was serving would have already ended. A year later, Haile said Gov. Kotek revoked multiple releases made by previous governors, leading to Brown's rearrest.

During the three years after her initial release, Brown had rebuilt her life, starting new jobs, regaining custody of her children, and attending school. Haile criticized the governor's actions, stating Brown was given no hearing, no court dates and no new charges.

After spending 80 days in prison, Brown was released and is now seeking compensation for the trauma and financial losses she endured.

Brown and Haile also listed District Attorney Kevin Barton; the Executive Director of the Board of Parole, Dylan Arthur; and officials at the Grants Pass Police Department; as well as other defendants in the suit.

 

Applications are being accepted for a position on the Committee on Public Art (CoPA) due to a term expiration.

This is a three-year position. CoPA works to engage the community and enrich public spaces by placing original artwork, creating a unique sense of place, enjoyment, and pride for all.

This committee also provides the Grants Pass City Council with information about public art, creates opportunities for the placement of art in public locations, and promotes collaboration between city departments, artists, architects, developers, and property owners.

Applications are available at the City Administration Office, 101 N.W. A St., or online at www.grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. February 6th, and will be reviewed on February 10th. City Council will make the appointment at their March 4th meeting.

 

A man wanted on three warrants was arrested at Resting Site 6 South Sunday afternoon.

Grants Pass Police contacted Ian Hogue at the 704 NW 6th Street site knowing he was wanted on the warrants. All three charged him with Possession of Methamphetamine.

After the warrants were cleared, Hogue was taken into custody. He was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

 

A man smashed the front door of River City Grill and proceeded to commit multiple crimes inside Sunday morning.

The suspect, Xander Strow, used a rock to break into the right hand door entryway into the 150 SE K Street restaurant. While inside, he stole food and drink, defecated and urinated in the office, and unlawfully remained inside.

A witness with Metro Protection, who was reporting to officers about the broken door at 6:20 a.m., contacted Strow, who then fled the scene. The caller followed on foot and reported Strow was heading east towards People's Bank. He was soon detained.

Officers charged Strow with Second Degree Burglary, Second and Third Degree Criminal Mischief, Third Degree Theft, Escape in the Third Degree, and a Parole Officer Detainer.

Strow was subsequently transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail. The interior of the restaurant was cleared by K9 units, and video footage of the incident confirmed Strow was the only suspect. Damage to the door was estimated at about $600.

 

Grants Pass Police pulled over a red Sedan Sunday evening and arrested the driver on a Sheriff's Office warrant.

Ramiro Hernandez-Maldonado Jr. was stopped for failure to signal during a lane change at the corner of Union Avenue and Williams Highway. He initially provided an incorrect spelling of his name and reportedly acted like he did not know what state his vehicle or identification was from.

Officers found Hernandez-Maldonado Jr. did not have a valid driver's license or insurance. They also learned he was wanted on a felony warrant out of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office for Assaulting Law Enforcement.

Hernandez-Maldonado Jr.'s vehicle was impounded, his belongings were given to jail staff, and he was lodged in the Josephine County Jail.