Local News

Medford Police officers arrested three suspects Saturday, November 8, following an armed menacing incident, a vehicle pursuit, and the recovery of two stolen firearms.

Around 8 p.m., officers responded to a report that an occupant of a passing vehicle pointed a firearm at a woman near Crater Lake Avenue and Delta Waters Road.

Officers located the vehicle near Hawthorne Park and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled, lost control while turning from 4th Street onto Jackson Street, and crashed into a fence at Hawthorne Park.

A 17-year-old male remained in the vehicle and was detained. Two others, Kevin J. Borja, 26, and Jayden E. Hodge, 19, ran into the park. During the foot chase, Borja discarded a pistol and entered Bear Creek, hiding in thick brush.

The vehicle was connected to a recent armed robbery reported to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office during which multiple firearms were stolen. One stolen firearm was visible inside the vehicle.

Due to the suspects’ history and the presence of firearms, Medford Police SWAT responded. A thermal drone located a heat source in the brush, and officers used announcements and less-lethal tools before K9 Bruno located and apprehended Borja. Hodge was found shortly afterward and taken into custody without further incident.

Sheriff's Office deputies impounded the vehicle and served a search warrant, recovering a second stolen firearm. Borja and Hodge were lodged at the Jackson County Jail. The 17-year-old was detained, and his case will be referred to juvenile authorities.