Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a man on statewide and local warrants plus new charges after he led deputies on a weekend pursuit in the Murphy area.

The Sheriff's Office reports deputies eventually arrested 48-year-old Ronald Michael Varner, Sr., in the 100-block of Scott Drive on Sunday at 12:09 p.m..

Deputies said they initially attempted to stop an unplated motorcycle ridden by Varner in the 7200-block of North Applegate Road, but he refused to yield and sped away, turning onto Board Shanty Road and Scott Drive before stopping.

Upon contact, deputies discovered that Varner was wanted on a state warrant for Parole Violation stemming from convictions for Felon in Possession of a Weapon and Delivery of Methamphetamine. He was also wanted on a Josephine County warrant containing a secret indictment for 3rd-Degree Robbery, 1st-Degree Criminal Mischief, 4th-Degree Assault and Petty Theft as well as a Jackson County warrant for Contempt of Court.

Varner was transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrants plus new charges of Reckless Driving and Driving While Suspended. He was being held on a no-bail detainer. His motorcycle was impounded.