Teen Arrested after Rollover Car Crash Kills Passenger, Sparks East Evans Creek Fire
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 17-year-old driver Friday, September 18th, following a vehicle crash that killed his passenger and sparked the 15,000-acre East Evans Creek Fire. The 18-year-old male passenger in the involved 2002 Ford Ranger died July 18th at a local hospital from injuries sustained in the crash. The suspect, a 17-year-old male, is charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide, Reckless Driving, and Second-Degree Criminal mischief. Deputies lodged the suspect in the Jackson County Juvenile Detention facility. Friday, July 10th at 2:39 p.m., dispatch received a call for a rollover motor vehicle crash in the 18,000 block of East Evans Creek Road in rural Rogue River. An Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District Type 6 engine with a two-person crew was on patrol in the area and was on scene within approximately 30 seconds. The crew rendered aid, while simultaneously engaging in suppression efforts on the fire. They immediately ordered additional air and ground resources from ODF dispatch, initiating a full response to the incident. Within minutes the fire had spread to dry vegetation in the area leading to evacuation of nearby residences and eventually growing to more than 15,000 acres.
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Anderson Butte Road Fire at 40% Containment, Mop-Up Continues
Containment on the Anderson Butte Road Fire has now reached 40% following another night of great progress by firefighters working to strengthen control lines and extinguish remaining heat. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the fire remains at 78 acres, with no spot fires or slopovers reported overnight as crews continue to hold it within its established perimeter. Firefighters have extended mop-up 50 to 75 feet inward from the perimeter, while snagging operations have now been completed 150 feet into the burned area around the entire fire. Crews will continue gridding for remaining heat and extinguishing hot spots as they work to increase containment. Steep slopes, dense vegetation and dead snags continue to present challenges. Resources assigned to the fire include four 20-person hand crews, one falling module, four Type 6 engines and seven water tenders. Aircraft are also available to support suppression efforts if needed. Temperatures are expected to be cooler today than the previous three days, providing even more favorable conditions for firefighters. The investigation into the official cause of the Anderson Butte Road Fire is ongoing.
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JoCo Sheriff's Office Seeking Public's Help in Locating Missing Woman
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing woman. Tabatha Jones was last seen near Three Rivers Medical Center September 17th, 2026. Her direction of travel is unknown, however she had been staying in the Cave Junction area. It is unknown if she's with her vehicle, but she has a tan early 2000's Toyota Camry with the grill missing. Tabatha is described as a 47-year-old 5'8" Caucasian woman with brown hair, brown eyes, and weighing 150 pounds. She has a nose piercing and tattoos on her arm and neck. It is possible she has dyed her hair red. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office at 541-474-5123. Reference Case #26-25832.
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