At 9:40am Sunday morning, September 22nd, Medford Police received a call of suicidal male. The caller was a concerned relative of the 55 year old male, who had provided the caller information that he wanted to harm himself.
The initial investigation indicates Officers arrived on scene and found no answer at the door, and no answer on the subject’s cell phone. Officers located a blood trail towards the back of the residence and made the decision to force entry. Medford Fire and Rescue responded and assisted with breaching the door. Once the door was opened, officers could see the male standing inside, but they did not make entry. The officers remained outside as they attempted to communicate with the subject. All of the officers on scene were trained in “Crisis Intervention.”
Seconds after breaching the door, the subject began walking towards the officers with one hand behind his back, ignoring officers commands. The subject walked into the small backyard where the officers had backed up to a wood fence. The subject then suddenly produced a knife from the hand hidden behind his back, as he continued to advance on officers.
Two officers deployed a taser as one officer fired, almost simultaneously. The subject dropped the knife and fell to the ground.
Medical aid was immediately rendered from the three Medford Fire and Rescue personnel who were already on scene. The subject was transported to Asante Regional Medical Center where he underwent surgery. He is listed in stable condition.
Five officers were on scene at the time of the shooting. Three of the officers will be placed on paid administrative leave, per protocol.
The case is being investigated by the Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU), with the lead agency as the Oregon State Police.
The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office is assisting with the case. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be presented to a Grand Jury who will review the case.
The subject’s name is not being released at this time.
