A man was taken into custody by Medford Police Wednesday, August 4th, regarding an incident that began almost two weeks ago in the Medford Police Department lobby.
On Tuesday, July 20th, a man, identified as 24 year old Kristopher Clay, arrived in the Medford Police lobby requesting to speak with an officer. He told the officer he was having homicidal thoughts with plans to carry them out. The officer immediately transported Clay to the Behavioral Health Unit at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center.
An investigation was initiated, which resulted in several search warrants being served in various locations in Jackson County. Items of evidence were seized including ammunition, firearms, tactical gear and written material. The investigation indicated Clay made significant steps to carry out a mass casualty event.
Further investigation revealed that Kristopher Clay was employed as a custodian at South Medford High School and Officials from the Medford School District were contacted. School officials, with the assistance of School Resource Officers, conducted a thorough sweep of the high school to ensure there were no active threats. School officials pursued termination of Clay’s employment and he is no longer employed with the School District.
Clay has no known prior criminal convictions, but is prohibited from possessing firearms, due to a court order. The investigation revealed he obtained firearms through various channels.
On Wednesday, August, 4th, Clay was taken into custody just prior to his discharge at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center after being in protective custody up to the point he was placed under arrest. The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office has charged Kristopher Clay with multiple charges including 2nd Degree Attempted Murder, 1st Degree Attempted Assault, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
