On Monday, September 2nd, just before 2:00am, Medford Police Officers were dispatched to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found two subjects suffering from gunshot wounds. The shooter was on scene and cooperating.
The initial investigation indicates that the 17-year-old shooter was involved in a dispute with a 15-year-old acquaintance. The dispute went on throughout the evening at a different location. The 17-year-old came home to his mobile home, where he was alone, due to his parents being out of town. The 15-year-old acquaintance arrived at the house with his 22-year-old brother. Both subjects either forced entry or somehow entered the home to apparently assault the 17-year-old. One of the subjects may have been armed with an object similar to a tire iron.
The 17-year-old obtained a 30-30 rifle and shot both the 15-year-old and the 22-year-old brother. The 15-year-old sustained non life-threatening injuries and the 22-year-old is in critical condition.
Detectives are continuing to investigate this shooting case, and no arrests have been made. The 22-year-old shooting victim has been transported to the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland where he remains in critical condition. The status of the 15-year-old victim is not immediately known but his injuries were not expected to be life-threatening.
A thorough examination of the mobile home where the incident occurred has been completed. Detectives are continuing to collect and analyze evidence, and gather statements from witnesses. Detectives are working closely with the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office on this investigation. The identities of the involved parties is not being released at this time.
Alcohol is a factor in this case and is not gang-related.
The case remains under investigation.
