Fire Danger Decreased To High in Jackson, Josephine Counties

Following recent light rainfall and a trend of cooler temperatures, including continued lower overnight temperatures, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District in Jackson and Josephine counties is decreasing from “extreme” to “high” effective immediately. According to ODF, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is also decreasing from Level 3 to Level 2. The recent change in weather has helped ease fire conditions across the district. However, fire season remains in effect, and restrictions remain in place, including the prohibition on outdoor debris burning. Vegetation can dry quickly following rainfall, and fires remain very possible. The public is asked to continue following all current fire prevention regulations and use caution when working outdoors. The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and the updated restrictions affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters and more. ...Read more

UPDATE: Armed Robbery Investigation Leads to Vehicle Pursuit, Suspects in Custody

Medford Police officers responded around 8:45 p.m. Sunday to a reported armed robbery at the West Main Street Walgreens. The suspects have been identified and lodged. Store employees confronted a male and female who were attempting to leave the store with a shopping cart full of unpaid merchandise. During the confrontation, the female suspect reportedly produced a handgun, pointed it at an employee, and threatened to shoot. The suspects left the area in a white SUV with a black roof rack. Responding officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects or vehicle. Store security footage corroborated employee statements, and investigators obtained video and still images of the suspects and involved vehicle. Tuesday at approximately 12:30 p.m., an officer located the vehicle near Sage Road and Highway 238. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled at a high rate of speed. Officers initiated a pursuit. The vehicle traveled through several areas before entering Interstate 5 northbound. Police were assisted by the Oregon State Police and the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. ...Read more

Arrests Made in Drive-By Shooting Investigation by Medford Police

Medford Police received a report August 20th that a residence in the 3000 block of Carnelian Street had been damaged by gunfire during the previous night. Investigators confirmed that a window had been struck by a bullet and, through video evidence, identified a vehicle believed to be involved. The same residence was previously targeted in drive-by shootings July 26th and the 27th, 2025. During that investigation, detectives developed probable cause to arrest 31-year-old Joel Matthew Caswell. He was arrested on August 27th, 2025, and remains in custody. During the current investigation, detectives determined that Caswell was associated with 50-year-old Phillip Leo Muradanes. Detectives also identified Muradanes as being associated with a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle believed to have been used in the August 20 shooting. On August 31st, 2026, detectives located Muradanes at a local motel and took him into custody. He was lodged for Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, and a Parole Board warrant. ...Read more