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Grants Pass Dept. of Public Safety On March 30, 2020, the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety (GPDPS) Major Crimes Detectives, assisted by GPDPS Patrol, served a Search Warrant on the residence of Curt Julian Gobar, DOB: 10-15-64, at his residence located at 355 Woody Acres, Williams, Josephine County, OR. Assisting agencies were the Oregon State Police and the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Team. A handgun stolen in a burglary in Grants Pass in January of 2019, where 21 handguns were stolen, was recovered (to date the GPDPS has recovered 13 of them/GPDPS 19-2102). Additionally, the following items were seized: 34 grams of Methamphetamine                          18.6 grams of Heroin 8.4 grams of “Crack Cocaine” 2.9 grams of powder Cocaine a small amount of LSD 27 pounds of Marijuana $2,600 in US Currency a shotgun Gobar was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the following charges: Felon in Possession of a Firearm Theft I by Receiving Unlawful Dis

Oregon Health Authority PORTLAND, Ore.— COVID-19 has claimed 2 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll from 16 to 18, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today. Oregon Health Authority also reported 84 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 690, as of 8 a.m. today. The COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (3), Clackamas (10), Douglas (1), Hood River (1), Jackson (1), Klamath (1), Lane (4), Lincoln (1), Linn (1), Malheur (1), Marion (18), Multnomah (16), Polk (3), Umatilla (1), Wallowa (1), Wasco (2), Washington (18), and Yamhill (2). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website:  www.healthoregon.org/ coronavirus . Oregon’s seventeenth COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man in Yamhill County, who tested positive on March 25, 2020, and died on March 29, 2020 at Providence Newberg Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions. Oregon’s eighteenth COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old w

Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network As of 12:00 pm, Tuesday March 31st, 2020, County Public Health Officer, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer announced two more new positive cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County, bringing the confirmed number of cases in Douglas County to 10.  The count of positive cases has been increasing since last week. Douglas Public Health Network has launched their epidemiology investigation related to the new cases, identifying who the individuals may have had contact with.  Identifying information about the newest cases are not being released at this time. Close contacts of the confirmed cases will be notified by public health.   There are currently 10 positive cases of COVID-19, 252 negative tests, there have been 5 total hospitalizations with two who remain hospitalized, 0 deaths and 0 recovered from COVID-19 in Douglas County. Results have been returned from the first 3 DPHN sponsored drive-through testing clini

Roseburg Police Dept. On March 28th, 2020 at about 0015 hours Roseburg Police responded to a traffic collision in the parking lot of Red Robin in Roseburg.  A subsequent investigation revealed that Isaiah Irvin (34) of Roseburg was driving south on Stewart Parkway in a 2007 Hyundai Azera, allegedly at a very high rate of speed, and missed the curve in front of Red Robin.  His vehicle went onto the sidewalk, through the grass and bushes in front of Red Robin, and across the mall driveway south of Red Robin.  Irvin’s vehicle struck the concrete curbing, which broke off a 4’ section, sending concrete and flowerbed debris over 60 yards.  The vehicle went airborne for about 10 feet before hitting the ground again and then slid about 45 yards into a parked 2005 Toyota Tacoma pickup.  The Tacoma was parked next to a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2007 Honda Civic which were all originally facing Stewart Parkway.  The force of the collision, shoved the Tacoma into the Silverado and the

FBI - Oregon A Salem woman, Maria Gallegos-Mendoza, age 45, faces federal drug distribution charges following an investigation by the Salem Police Street Crime Unit.  On March 19, 2020, Salem Police Department Street Crimes Unit, with assistance from FBI and DEA task force partners – arrested Gallegos-Mendoza and another suspect during the service of multiple search warrants in Salem.  During the course of the search, the task force seized 31 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately $50,000 in cash. The FBI charged Gallegos-Mendoza via a federal criminal complaint on March 24, 2020, with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to the complaint, Gallegos-Mendoza told investigators that she had been selling methamphetamine for two years in amounts of 3.5 grams to one pound. The complaint also details that Gallegos-Mendoza would sell pound quantities of methamphetamine for approximately $2,500 each.

Oregon City Police Dept. This morning, just before 1:00 am, a resident came to the police department to report her home, which is located in the 1200 block of Johnson St., had been burglarized about 30 minutes prior.  She told officers that her roommate thought he had been dreaming when he saw a person inside their bedroom.  When fully awoke, he realized he hadn’t been dreaming.  He found his garage door open and several items missing from inside their house and truck.  Patrol officers responded to the area and began looking for the suspect.  At about 1:30 am, officers saw a person matching the suspect description in the area.  When officers attempted to speak with him, he ran on foot and was caught a short distance from the scene. When the suspect was arrested, he still had property on his person.  The remaining property was later located in a nearby apartment. The suspect was identified as 22-year-old Moniel D. Dennis.  Officer learned Mr. Dennis found the victim’s vehicle unl

Grants Pass Dept. of Public Safety Grants Pass Fire Rescue responded to a commercial fire at 211 NE A St early Monday morning.  A passerby reported seeing fire coming through a window on the second floor of Giannelli’s Restaurant at 03:26 am.  Fire crews arrived to find fire venting through a window on the second story.  Crews quickly made access through a second story staircase and extinguished the fire in under ten minutes. Minor damage was done to the restaurant by the fire. The restaurant will remain closed for a short time while being repaired. Damage to the upstairs office area was held to a minimum due to an aggressive fire attack and salvage operation by Fire crews. Grants Pass Fire Rescue was assisted at the scene by Rural Metro Fire Department, American Medical Response, and the Grants Pass Police. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Anyone with information about the fire can call the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety at 541-450-6200.

Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office ROSEBURG, Ore.  - A 30-year-old Roseburg man was arrested Sunday after he pointed a firearm at his father during a disagreement.  911 dispatchers were notified around 4:15 pm, that Aaron Michael Hernandez had arrived at a residence in the 3700-block of Hooker Road in Roseburg. Hernandez became upset with his father, 58-year-old Reuben Frausto Hernandez, when he wasn't allowed to come into the home at which point Aaron pulled a firearm from his waistband and pointed it at his father Reuben. Aaron left the residence on Hooker Road and went to a home in the 3700-block of Joseph Street.  Multiple law enforcement officers from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Roseburg Police Department and Oregon State Police went to the Joseph Street address. After 2.5 hours of searching the property, multiple buildings and vehicles and contacting several individuals, Aaron was taken into custody without incident. Deputies also located the firearm

Junction City Police During the late-night hours of Thursday March 26th and the early morning of Friday March 27th, 2020 multiple Junction City residents were victimized by having items stolen from their unlocked vehicles parked at or near their homes.  Junction City Police have identified a suspect this is case as 24-year old  Steven Mitchell Mercier .   Mercier is described as a white male, 5’08” tall, with weight fluctuating from about 175-200 pounds, partly balding with close-shaven head (his natural hair color is brownish to blondish in color), and has hazel-colored eyes. Among the items stolen was Oregon license plate number D64665.  This is a yellow-colored permanent-issue disabled vehicle plate with dark blue lettering. Anyone with information on Mercier’s whereabouts and/or information on any crimes he may have committed is urged to immediately contact the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.   Citizens are advised to use caution and should not a

Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office ROSEBURG, Ore.  - A crash just after midnight on Saturday has claimed the life of a 22 year-old Roseburg woman.  On Saturday, March 28, 2020, at 12:09 am, 9-1-1 dispatchers were notified of an injury roll-over crash on public lands managed by the BLM off of road 26-7-33.0. This is an area generally referred to as Long's Ranch.  Deputies learned a 1986 Honda Civic, operated by 22-year-old Andrew Joseph Clements of Roseburg, was traveling approximately 20 miles per hour on a gravel road when the vehicle left the roadway and rolled approximately 150 feet down an embankment. Clements and his passenger, 22-year-old Savannah Jean Nardli of Roseburg, were ejected from the car.  EMS attempted life saving efforts on Nardli, which were ultimately unsuccessful. Clements suffered minor injuries and was transported to Mercy Medical Center by ambulance for evaluation. He was later released from the hospital and taken into custody for DUII.  The crash re

Eugene Springfield Fire Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a house fire on the 3100 block of Partridge Way in Springfield.  Three occupants were able to escape with two being transported for smoke inhalation.  Crews were able to confine the fire with damage estimate and cause to be determined.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Just after noon, callers to 911 reported that a two-story home was engulfed in flames in the 11000 block of SW 109th Avenue in Tigard. Firefighters arrived within four minutes and began to attack the fire from the outside. While some firefighters worked to douse flames from the outside, others tried to work their way into the home to tackle hot spots and conduct a search. Their search efforts were significantly hampered by an extensive amount of clutter and smoke. Sadly, firefighters located an unresponsive person in the kitchen of the home. It’s unclear whether the person had perished before or during the fire.  Fire investigators will be working to determine where and how the fire started and a medical examiner from Washington County will be conducting a death investigation.

Grants Pass Dept. of Public Safety On Monday, March 23, 2020 at approximately 8:50 PM, a resident of the Redwood Towers located at 306 NW 6th St. reported a male subject was trying to steal the license plates off his car.  The reporting person attempted to stop the suspect from taking his plates and a fight ensued.  During the fight, the suspect sprayed the victim with pepper spray and stabbed him in the hand with a screwdriver. He then fled the scene. Officers arrived in the area, set a perimeter and began searching with police K-9.  While the K-9 was tracking the suspect, a male was contacted by one of the perimeter police units.  The male was identified as 34-year-old Christopher Cooper.  Resulting from the investigation that followed, Cooper was taken into custody and lodged for assault 2, attempted robbery 2, and unlawful use of pepper spray.  Cooper was lodged at the Josephine County Jail.  The victim refused medical treatment.

Medford Police Dept. On 03/20/20, Alejandro Alcala-Arroyo (24 years old) was arrested on sexual assault charges stemming from the unrelated rapes and sexual assaults of two juvenile females. Each juvenile independently reported being brought to “the woods” by Alcala-Arroyo where each were sexually assaulted. Each female believed the perpetrator’s name to be “Alejandro Alcala.” The Medford Police Department continues to investigate these crimes and has reason to believe there could be additional victims in the community. MPD is requesting anyone with information regarding Alcala-Arroyo call Medford Police Department Detective Diane Sandler (541-774-2247) or Medford Police Department Cultural Outreach Coordinator Lilia Caballero (541-840-1295). Reference Case 20-4494 El 30 de marzo, 2020 fué arrestado Alejandro Alcalá-Arroyo (24 años) por cargos de ataque sexual a dos jovencitas menores de edad. Los dos casos son independientemente separados uno del otro. Las jóvenes reportaron que

Oregon State Police On Monday, March 23, 2020 at approximately 7:50 A.M.,  Oregon State Police Troopers were dispatched to a fight in progress on the southbound shoulder of Interstate 5 near milepost 229. Before OSP arrived an adult male left southbound on Interstate 5 in a white Ford pickup towing a utility trailer.  The remaining male was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis with serious injuries.  OSP is asking anyone with information regarding the assault, events leading up to the assault, or the owner/operator of the white Ford pickup and utility trailer - possibly the vehicle in the attached picture - to contact OSP. If you have information please contact Oregon State Police Northern Command Center 800-442-0776 or *OSP and refer to Trooper Keys - Albany Area Command.

Grants Pass Dept. of Public Safety On 3-14-20 at around 8pm, Detectives from the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team (RADE) aculimnated a months long investigation into the drug trafficking of methamphetamine into Josephine County. With the assistance of GPDPS and narcotics detection K9 "Match," over 2 pounds of methamphetamine was located concealed in the trunk hidden inside a large speaker box of a vehicle being driven by Summer Dawn Morton (41 yoa).  Her passenger, Robert Leroy Nash (40 yoa), was determined to be involved with Morton in going to California and picking up the methamphetamine and bringing it back to Josephine County for distribution. Both Morton and Nash were lodged in the Josephine County Jail for delivery and possession of methamphetamine-substantial quantity. Anyone with questions or information related to this investigation, please call Det. Sgt. Doni Hamilton 541-450-6370 and refer to case #20-11805.

Newport Police Dept. On March 22nd, 2020 at about 2330 hours, Newport Police and Newport Fire Departments were dispatched to 226 NE 3rd St on the report of possible arson fire. Responding personnel learned a fire was started in the garbage storage area, which was attached to a 4-plex apartment. A resident of the 4-plex was alerted to the fire and investigated. When they got to the area they noticed flames erupting from the garbage storage area. The resident then noticed Ashley Kayla Rose Hunt, 24, who also lives in the 4-plex, leaving the area of the fire. The resident grabbed a garden hose and began trying to extinguish the fire. When doing so, Hunt shut off the water supply to the hose they were using. The investigation revealed Hunt had been acting erratic all day, and had told several of the occupants of the 4-plex that she was going to burn down the complex. Investigating officers located Hunt barricaded inside her apartment, where she had reportedly poured accelerant

Roseburg Police Dept.   On March 21, 2020 at 8:52 PM, Roseburg Police were dispatched to the area of SE Ella and SE Court Avenue for a report of a disturbance involving a female screaming to call the police.  Officers received additional information leading them to believe a female may have been assaulted at a residence on SE Ella Street.  Officers approached the residence and located signs of a disturbance but could not get anyone to come to the door.  Witnesses informed officers on scene that a physical disturbance was heard as well as screaming just prior to officers’ arrival leading officers to believe people were still inside the residence. Officers exhausted all avenues of attempted contact with residents over about a two hour period leading to a call out of Emergency Response Team members.  Roseburg Police and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office members formed an entry team and breached the front door in an attempt to render aid to anyone inside who may be injured or otherwis

Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. SALEM, Oregon – At the direction of Governor Kate Brown, and in keeping with the guidance that all Oregonians should stay home and stay healthy, the Oregon State Park system will close at the end of the day Monday, March 23. Day-use areas will be closed starting March 23 at 5 p.m. Campers need to check out no later than 1 p.m. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) previously ordered a campground closure that would have started April 3, and advised travelers to avoid day trips to full parks. With new guidance from the Governor, and clear signs that travelers are not following advice to avoid full parks, a statewide state park closure is necessary. Beaches can be closed by OPRD at their discretion and will be closed if social distancing practices are not followed. All daytime park services will be closed statewide, including parking areas and restrooms. Campers will be refunded for all canceled nights. All travelers are advised to fol

Oregon State Police  On March 21, 2020 at about 3:24 p.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and emergency personnel responded to Highway 138E near milepost 28 for a vehicle versus motorcycle crash.  Preliminary investigation revealed that a Honda motorcycle, operated by Joseph GAZAREK, age 28, from Roseburg, was westbound on Highway 138E at a high rate of speed.  A Toyota Corolla, operated by Schyler HAMILTON (F), age 21, from Roseburg, was eastbound and was in the process of turning into the Susan Creek Falls parking area.  The motorcycle impacted the right front of the Toyota Corolla and GAZAREK was ejected from the motorcycle.  GAZAREK was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency responders.  HAMILTON and her passengers Enrique GONZALES (M), age 19, from Myrtle Creek, and a juvenile male, from Roseburg, were transported to Mercy Medical Center with possible injuries.  The westbound lanes of the highway were closed for over three hours.  Traffic was reduced to one

Oregon State Police On March 20, 2020 at about 6:00 p.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and emergency personnel responded to a reported two vehicle crash on Highway 138E near milepost 8.  Preliminary investigation revealed that a BMW coupe, operated by Eddie GAYLOR, age 62, from Roseburg, was eastbound on Highway 138E.  The BMW lost control for unknown reasons and rear ended a Ford pickup operated by Allen GILBERT, age 73, from Roseburg.  The BMW spun out of control and crossed both on coming lanes before hitting the rock embankment on the westbound shoulder.  The Ford pickup rolled on impact and GILBERT was ejected from the vehicle. The pickup came to a stop in the westbound lanes of 138E. GILBERT was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders.  GAYLOR was transported with critical injuries to Mercy Medical Center and later transferred to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield.  All lanes of the highway were closed for over three hours du

ODOT: SW Oregon:  All lanes of Oregon Highway 138 are closed in both directions at Milepost 8, east of Roseburg, because of a major injury accident. OSP and ODOT have responded to the scene. Drivers should take alternative routes. Be aware of activity in the vicinity of the accident.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. SALEM, Oregon –Three Oregon state agencies will suspend camping to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will accommodate current overnight guests through April 2. Reservations for all state park stays from April 3 to and including May 8 will be canceled and site fees refunded. Before May 8, the department will review the state park campground closure to decide whether it should be extended. The decision affects all individual and group overnight facilities: campsites, yurts, cabins, tepees, and services operated by concessionaires. The suspended service also affects reservations for group day-use areas. The Oregon Department of Forestry maintains campgrounds in the Clatsop, Santiam, and Tillamook State Forests. Most campgrounds are currently closed for the season, and will not reopen for individual or group use. Year-round campgrounds will close starting on Monday, March 23. All day-use and campground res

Linn County Sheriff's Office   Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports yesterday, March 18, his deputies investigated the death of a toddler at a residence on Boston Mill Drive near Shedd. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received a 911 call at 6:58 p.m., from Benjamin Gerig (25) stating his son, Marvin Gerig (2) was missing.  The father had been outside doing yard work with the child when he went missing. Both deputies and the Halsey-Shedd Fire Department arrived and joined family and neighbors in searching for the child.  At 7:19 p.m., the child was located down a steep embankment along the driveway of the residence and was submerged in several inches of water.  The Calapooia River runs through Gerig’s property near the driveway.  The deputy climbed down and pulled the toddler from the water.  EMS personnel began life saving measures.  Medics transported Marvin to Albany General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. This is believed to be an accidental drow

Lane Co. Sheriff's Office Have you seen Lori Smolenska? Lori is in her 70's and suffers from severe dementia. She was last seen early this afternoon on Harry Taylor Road walking towards Fox Hollow Road. Lori is described as being 5'2" tall and thin with gray hair and a Scottish accent. Lane County Search and Rescue as well as Lane Fire Authority have been searching for Lori but have not found her yet. If you have seen Lori or know where she is at please call the Lane County Sheriff's Office at 541-682-4141.

Douglas Co. Fire Dist. No.2 To the patrons of Douglas County Fire District No. 2, Winston-Dillard Fire District, and Roseburg Fire Department: In response to the COVID-19 virus, emergency responders are required to wear a specific level of personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to avoid exposure. This is to ensure that they will be available to respond to future calls and maintain a consistent level of service. Unfortunately, due to a nationwide shortage of the necessary personal protective equipment our organization and crews are going to have to be resourceful and may be forced to utilize equipment not normally used for these situations. We would like to make everyone aware of some of the personal protective equipment you could see the responders wearing. Please remember this is not meant to upset, scare, or embarrass anyone. These examples of PPE are meant to protect not only the responder and patient, but the patient’s family and the public at large. We are trying

DCSO JAILVIEWER ABANDONMENT OF A CHILD CHILD NEGLECT 2ND DEG

Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office WINSTON, Ore. -  The victims from the shooting Sunday morning have been identified and their next of kin have been notified.  Detectives say that 24-year-old Nicholas David Lehman-Helmke of Winston and 31-year-old Benny Alexander Stallings of Roseburg died at the scene after being shot by 34-year-old Savino David DeSantiago of Winston. The victims were known to DeSantiago.  Following the shooting, DeSantiago reportedly drove past another residence on Peach Street honked his horn then began firing into the home through a window before fleeing.  DeSantiago is currently lodged in the Douglas County Jail for Murder. Additional charges are pending.  Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division at 541-440-4458 or by email  dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us .  No additional information will be released at this time.

Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office WINSTON, Ore.  - The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is investigating a shooting which has left two men dead and another in custody.  At 1:58 am on Sunday March 15, 2020, Douglas County 9-1-1 dispatchers received multiple reports of gunfire heard in the area of Ford Street. Another caller reported finding two men on the ground bleeding at 280 Ford Street.  Law enforcement from Winston Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police responded to the scene. The two victims, whose names are being withheld at this time, were found to be suffering from gunshot wounds and died at the scene.  At 2:36 am, dispatchers received a call that a male wished to turn himself in regarding the shooting. Officers contacted the male, 34 year-old Winston resident Savino David DeSantiago, who was ultimately arrested and charged with Murder. He is currently lodged in the Douglas County Jail. The Douglas County Major Crimes T

DCSO JAILVIEWER  MURDER

Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore.  - A CenturyLink telephone service outage is affecting approximately 674 customers in the Drain and Yoncalla areas. The outage may prevent residents in those areas from dialing 9-1-1 from their landline telephones.  CenturyLink is currently investigating the cause of the outage. There is no estimated time of repair at this time.  Residents who are affected may be able to dial 9-1-1 from a cellular device in the event of an emergency if they are unable to reach 9-1-1 on their landline. Both North Douglas Fire & EMS fire stations in Drain and Yoncalla are also staffed with personnel while the issue is being resolved.  Residents wishing to check on the status of the telephone service should contact CenturyLink as the 9-1-1 dispatch center is unable to provide further information regarding the outage. 

Grants Pass Dept. of Public Safety In July of 2019, the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety responded to two separate drive-by shootings. The first incident was on July 21st at Parkway Christian Center, 229 NE Beacon Dr, and the second was on July 24th at Johnston Dental Care, 1825 NW Hawthorne Ave. At the time of the reports, there was very little information and no suspect leads. After extensive investigation and working around the clock, detectives identified the suspect as 26 year old Joshua Ashley. With the combined efforts of officers, detectives, administrators, SWAT and CNT, Ashley was arrested on July 26, 2019.  Ashley has remained in custody on numerous felony charges until his trial commenced this week. Today, Ashley was convicted by a jury of his peers on the following charges: Attempted Murder with a Firearm Unlawful Use of Weapon with a Firearm (2 counts) Attempted Assault in the First Degree with a Firearm We hope this conviction helps bring closure to