An Oregon State Police Trooper attempted to stop a reckless southbound vehicle just after 3:15pm Sunday afternoon on Interstate-5 south of Grants Pass. The vehicle attempted to elude, and reaching speeds of 120mph on Interstate 5 before colliding with another vehicle a few miles south of Grants Pass. The crash disabled the suspect vehicle, which came to a stop on the shoulder adjacent to the fast lane.
The initial investigation indicates, the suspect, who has not yet been identified, exited his vehicle armed with knives in both hands and began to advance on the Trooper. The suspect was given several commands to stop and continued to approach the officer in an aggressive manner and was subsequently shot at close distance.
The unidentified suspect, who is a male adult in his 30’s, was transported to a local area hospital and is receiving treatment for his injuries. Charges will be filed pending the suspects identification.
The southbound lanes of I-5 were closed for approximately 3 hours. The driver of the vehicle that was struck during the pursuit, sustained minor injuries and sought medial treatment.
During this incident, a tractor-trailer traveling northbound on Interstate-5, collided with a parked Rogue River police vehicle that was unoccupied, however, the northbound lanes were closed for approximately 1 hour. There were no injuries as a result of this collision.
This incident is currently being investigated by the Medford Police Department and is being assisted by members of the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oregon State Police Trooper involved in this incident has been place on administrative leave.
