Local News

The Medford Police Department received multiple reports of a shooting near the Bear Creek Greenway in the area of 8th Street on Wednesday afternoon. An MPD community service officer was on the Greenway about one block away, heard the gunfire and quickly relayed information to responding officers.

Officers arrived within minutes and located the adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. MPD officers, Medford Fire personnel and Mercy Flights medics provided immediate life-saving aid.

Based on witness accounts and the initial investigation, officers promptly obtained and broadcasted a description of the suspect. Within 15 minutes, an MPD detective located the suspect walking at the Medford Center near Tinseltown Theater. The suspect -- 38-year-old William K. Triplett -- was interviewed by detectives and then lodged at the Jackson County Jail for Felony 1st-Degree Assault.

The victim was initially transported to a local hospital and then airlifted to Portland for advanced medical care. The man remains in critical condition and his name is being withheld at this time.

Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect and victim were acquainted and had been involved in a verbal dispute, which escalated into a physical confrontation and ultimately led to the shooting. This remains an active investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact MPD.