Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

East Evans Creek Fire: Sheriff Cancels Evacuation Notices In Douglas County - 07/21/26

TILLER, Ore. - Effective at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the previously issued Level 1 - "BE READY" evacuation notices for residents in Douglas County due to the East Evans Creek Fire have been canceled.

 

The affected areas include Tiller Trail Highway from mileposts 38-41 to the Douglas/Jackson County line, and the area west from Wildcat Ridge to the County line on the east (Zones DOU-1012 and DOU-1015) .

 

There are currently no evacuation notices in effect for Douglas County residents impacted by the East Evans Creek fire or any other incident in Douglas County.

 

This is the final update from the Douglas Sheriff's Office regarding this incident. 

 

Evacuation notices remain in effect in JACKSON COUNTY and residents in that area should remain alert and continue to follow directions from Jackson County officials.

 

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East Evans Creek Fire: Sheriff Cancels Evacuation Notices In Douglas County - 07/21/26

TILLER, Ore. - Effective at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the previously issued Level 1 - "BE READY" evacuation notices for residents in Douglas County due to the East Evans Creek Fire have been canceled.

 

The affected areas include Tiller Trail Highway from mileposts 38-41 to the Douglas/Jackson County line, and the area west from Wildcat Ridge to the County line on the east (Zones DOU-1012 and DOU-1015) .

 

There are currently no evacuation notices in effect for Douglas County residents impacted by the East Evans Creek fire or any other incident in Douglas County.

 

This is the final update from the Douglas Sheriff's Office regarding this incident. 

 

Evacuation notices remain in effect in JACKSON COUNTY and residents in that area should remain alert and continue to follow directions from Jackson County officials.

 

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East Evans Creek Fire Prompts Level 1 Evacuation Notices In Douglas County - 07/21/26

A Level 1 - "BE READY" evacuation notice has been issued for the East Evans Creek Fire, burning near the Douglas County Border. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has issued the Level 1 “BE READY” evacuation notice for Tiller Trail Highway Milepost 38-41 to the Douglas/Jackson County border and west from Wildcat ridge to the County border on the east (Zones DOU-1012 and DOU-1015). This is inclusive of all addresses between these two points.
 
A Level 1 - "Be Ready" Evacuation notice means residents should be aware of the danger that exists in the area, monitor emergency services websites and local media for information, and begin preparation. This may be the time for precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, and, under certain circumstances, pets and livestock.
 
Not sure if you are in the evacuation zone? An interactive map can be found on the Douglas County Sheriff's Office website at www.dcso.com/evacuations.
 
All Douglas County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Douglas Alerts at www.dcso.com/alerts. This system is used to notify residents in an emergency, including wildfire evacuations. If you already have an account, please ensure your information is current by conducting a wellness check on your profile. For questions or assistance related to Douglas Alerts, call 541-440-6025 or email douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov
 
For information on firefighting efforts go to ODF Southwest Oregon District https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest/

East Evans Creek Fire Prompts Level 1 Evacuation Notices In Douglas County - 07/21/26

A Level 1 - "BE READY" evacuation notice has been issued for the East Evans Creek Fire, burning near the Douglas County Border. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has issued the Level 1 “BE READY” evacuation notice for Tiller Trail Highway Milepost 38-41 to the Douglas/Jackson County border and west from Wildcat ridge to the County border on the east (Zones DOU-1012 and DOU-1015). This is inclusive of all addresses between these two points.
 
A Level 1 - "Be Ready" Evacuation notice means residents should be aware of the danger that exists in the area, monitor emergency services websites and local media for information, and begin preparation. This may be the time for precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, and, under certain circumstances, pets and livestock.
 
Not sure if you are in the evacuation zone? An interactive map can be found on the Douglas County Sheriff's Office website at www.dcso.com/evacuations.
 
All Douglas County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Douglas Alerts at www.dcso.com/alerts. This system is used to notify residents in an emergency, including wildfire evacuations. If you already have an account, please ensure your information is current by conducting a wellness check on your profile. For questions or assistance related to Douglas Alerts, call 541-440-6025 or email douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov
 
For information on firefighting efforts go to ODF Southwest Oregon District https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest/

Fatal Boating Incident At Diamond Lake, Divers Recover Body (Photo) - 07/19/26

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - On Saturday, July 18, 2026, at approximately 2:17 p.m., the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to Diamond Lake following a report of a person who had fallen overboard from a pontoon boat and disappeared beneath the water. 

 

The victim was identified as 71-year-old William Harry Bailey of Bethalto, Illinois, who was at Diamond Lake with family members for a reunion. Earlier in the day, the family rented a pontoon boat to spend time on the lake. 

 

Deputies learned that Bailey and his sister moved to the bow of the pontoon boat to take a photograh. As they stood at the front of the boat, the bow dipped into the water, causing the stern to rise. Both Bailey and his ster lost their balance and fell into the lake. 

 

Witnesses report Bailey pushed his sister out of the way to prevent her from falling in front of the boat. In doing so, Bailey fell directly in front of the moving pontoon, which passed over him. Bailey briefly resurfaced before going back underwater. 

 

Family members immediately began searching for Bailey and called 911. Deputies, fire personnel and other emergency responders searched the area of the last known point he was seen but were unable to immediately locate him. 

 

Divers from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded and were able to locate and recover Bailey's body from the lake. The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office was notified. 

 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Bailey's family and friends during this difficult time. 

 

Assisting agencies included Diamond Lake Resort, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, REACH Air Medical Services and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

 

Attached Media Files: Diamond Lake Resort, Diamond Lake,

Fatal Boating Incident At Diamond Lake, Divers Recover Body (Photo) - 07/19/26

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - On Saturday, July 18, 2026, at approximately 2:17 p.m., the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to Diamond Lake following a report of a person who had fallen overboard from a pontoon boat and disappeared beneath the water. 

 

The victim was identified as 71-year-old William Harry Bailey of Bethalto, Illinois, who was at Diamond Lake with family members for a reunion. Earlier in the day, the family rented a pontoon boat to spend time on the lake. 

 

Deputies learned that Bailey and his sister moved to the bow of the pontoon boat to take a photograh. As they stood at the front of the boat, the bow dipped into the water, causing the stern to rise. Both Bailey and his ster lost their balance and fell into the lake. 

 

Witnesses report Bailey pushed his sister out of the way to prevent her from falling in front of the boat. In doing so, Bailey fell directly in front of the moving pontoon, which passed over him. Bailey briefly resurfaced before going back underwater. 

 

Family members immediately began searching for Bailey and called 911. Deputies, fire personnel and other emergency responders searched the area of the last known point he was seen but were unable to immediately locate him. 

 

Divers from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded and were able to locate and recover Bailey's body from the lake. The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office was notified. 

 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Bailey's family and friends during this difficult time. 

 

Assisting agencies included Diamond Lake Resort, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, REACH Air Medical Services and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

 

Attached Media Files: Diamond Lake Resort, Diamond Lake,

Rescue Crews Extract Injured Man From North Umpqua River Following Risky Jump (Photo) - 07/18/26

TOKETEE, Ore. – On Friday, July 17, 2026, around 10:30 a.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers received a report of a medical aid at Toketee Falls after an individual had jumped into the water and injured himself.

 

Rescuers from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Glide Rural Fire Protection District, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and Umpqua Valley Ambulance responded to the scene.

 

It was determined that 20-year-old Angel Antonio Ceja of Oahu Hawaii had been on a road trip with a friend and had been visiting locations where he could cliff jump while recording videos to post online. After watching numerous videos of others successfully jumping from a large log suspended approximately 60 feet above the North Umpqua River, about 200 feet upstream of Toketee Falls, Ceja decided to make the jump.

 

When Ceja entered the water following his jump, he dislocated his right shoulder. Although he was able to pull himself from the river onto a partially submerged log and then onto a small rock shelf, he was unable to climb back to the trail.

 

Rescuers deployed a steep-angle rescue rope system to safely raise Ceja in a rescue litter from the gorge. Once to the trail, Ceja was able to walk the remainder of the trail to a waiting ambulance. He was transported to Mercy Medical Center for treatment.

 

Attached Media Files: Rescue crews hoist the victim to the trailhead, Tree across river from which victim jumped,

Rescue Crews Extract Injured Man From North Umpqua River Following Risky Jump (Photo) - 07/18/26

TOKETEE, Ore. – On Friday, July 17, 2026, around 10:30 a.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers received a report of a medical aid at Toketee Falls after an individual had jumped into the water and injured himself.

 

Rescuers from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Glide Rural Fire Protection District, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and Umpqua Valley Ambulance responded to the scene.

 

It was determined that 20-year-old Angel Antonio Ceja of Oahu Hawaii had been on a road trip with a friend and had been visiting locations where he could cliff jump while recording videos to post online. After watching numerous videos of others successfully jumping from a large log suspended approximately 60 feet above the North Umpqua River, about 200 feet upstream of Toketee Falls, Ceja decided to make the jump.

 

When Ceja entered the water following his jump, he dislocated his right shoulder. Although he was able to pull himself from the river onto a partially submerged log and then onto a small rock shelf, he was unable to climb back to the trail.

 

Rescuers deployed a steep-angle rescue rope system to safely raise Ceja in a rescue litter from the gorge. Once to the trail, Ceja was able to walk the remainder of the trail to a waiting ambulance. He was transported to Mercy Medical Center for treatment.

 

Attached Media Files: Rescue crews hoist the victim to the trailhead, Tree across river from which victim jumped,

Fatal Motorcycle Crash - 07/18/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crash that occurred on Roberts Creek Road in the Green District.

 

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., deputies received a report from a woman who reported her son, 24-year-old Jarod Michael Whitlock of Roseburg, missing after he failed to report to work for two days.

 

During the investigation into Whitlock’s whereabouts, deputies located Whitlock deceased in the 8700-block of Roberts Creek Road shortly after 8:00 p.m.

 

The investigation determined Whitlock had been operating a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle eastbound on Roberts Creek Road after traveling from Gateway Road. Evidence at the scene indicates the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it left the roadway traveling approximately 50 yards from the roadway.

 

Whitlock was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

 

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to Jarod’s family and friends during this time.

 

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Central Douglas Fire and Rescue.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash - 07/18/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crash that occurred on Roberts Creek Road in the Green District.

 

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., deputies received a report from a woman who reported her son, 24-year-old Jarod Michael Whitlock of Roseburg, missing after he failed to report to work for two days.

 

During the investigation into Whitlock’s whereabouts, deputies located Whitlock deceased in the 8700-block of Roberts Creek Road shortly after 8:00 p.m.

 

The investigation determined Whitlock had been operating a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle eastbound on Roberts Creek Road after traveling from Gateway Road. Evidence at the scene indicates the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it left the roadway traveling approximately 50 yards from the roadway.

 

Whitlock was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

 

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to Jarod’s family and friends during this time.

 

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Central Douglas Fire and Rescue.

Drowning On North Umpqua River - 07/16/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. - On Thursday, July 9, 2026, at approximately 12:24 p.m., deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported water rescue at Amacher Park in Winchester. 

 

The preliminary investigation determined that 64-year-old Charles Robert Jensen of Roseburg and a friend were kayaking on the North Umpqua River from Amacher Park to Hestness Landing when Jensen's kayak overturned in the first rapid. Jensen went under and briefly resurfaced before going back underwater. 

 

Jensen's friend was able to pull Jensen from the water onto nearby rocks and immediately began CPR. It was believed Jensen was submerged for approximately one minute. 

 

Fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene and continued lifesaving efforts; however, Jensen could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office responded and assumed responsibility for the death investigation. 

 

Next of kin has been notified and the victim's name is now being released. 

 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to Mr. Jensen's family and friends. 

 

Assisting agencies included Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and Oregon State Police. 

Drowning On North Umpqua River - 07/16/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. - On Thursday, July 9, 2026, at approximately 12:24 p.m., deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported water rescue at Amacher Park in Winchester. 

 

The preliminary investigation determined that 64-year-old Charles Robert Jensen of Roseburg and a friend were kayaking on the North Umpqua River from Amacher Park to Hestness Landing when Jensen's kayak overturned in the first rapid. Jensen went under and briefly resurfaced before going back underwater. 

 

Jensen's friend was able to pull Jensen from the water onto nearby rocks and immediately began CPR. It was believed Jensen was submerged for approximately one minute. 

 

Fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene and continued lifesaving efforts; however, Jensen could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office responded and assumed responsibility for the death investigation. 

 

Next of kin has been notified and the victim's name is now being released. 

 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to Mr. Jensen's family and friends. 

 

Assisting agencies included Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and Oregon State Police. 

Deputies Participating In July Speed Enforcement Campaign - 07/02/26

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is participating in a nationwide speed enforcement campaign beginning July 6 and continuing through July 31, 2026. 

 

Funding for the enhanced patrols is provided through grants administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation. Deputies will be assigned to work overtime throughout Douglas County with a focus on speed-related violations through education and enforcement. 

 

Speeding continues to be one of the leading factors in serious and fatal traffic crashes. Higher speeds reduce a driver's ability to react to changing road conditions, increase stopping distance, and make crashes more severe. Whether traveling on city streets, county roads, or highways, obeying posted speed limits helps protect everyone on the road. 

 

"Speed limits are established to keep everyone safe," said Sheriff John Hanlin. "Our goal is not simply to write citations, but to encourage drivers to slow down, make responsible decisions behind the wheel, and help prevent crashes that can have lifelong consequences."

 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office encourages motorists to obey posted speed limits, eliminate distractions like cellphones, and always drive at a speed appropriate for traffic, weather and roadway conditions. 

 

For more information about the dangers of speeding, please visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding. 

Deputies Participating In July Speed Enforcement Campaign - 07/02/26

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is participating in a nationwide speed enforcement campaign beginning July 6 and continuing through July 31, 2026. 

 

Funding for the enhanced patrols is provided through grants administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation. Deputies will be assigned to work overtime throughout Douglas County with a focus on speed-related violations through education and enforcement. 

 

Speeding continues to be one of the leading factors in serious and fatal traffic crashes. Higher speeds reduce a driver's ability to react to changing road conditions, increase stopping distance, and make crashes more severe. Whether traveling on city streets, county roads, or highways, obeying posted speed limits helps protect everyone on the road. 

 

"Speed limits are established to keep everyone safe," said Sheriff John Hanlin. "Our goal is not simply to write citations, but to encourage drivers to slow down, make responsible decisions behind the wheel, and help prevent crashes that can have lifelong consequences."

 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office encourages motorists to obey posted speed limits, eliminate distractions like cellphones, and always drive at a speed appropriate for traffic, weather and roadway conditions. 

 

For more information about the dangers of speeding, please visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding. 

Roseburg Man Arrested On Rape And Sexual Abuse Charges - 07/01/26

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - On Sunday, June 28, 2026, deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office launched a criminal investigation into a report of juvenile sexual abuse spanning approximately 11 years.

 

The report indicated that 57-year-old John Michael Kilby Jr. of Roseburg, had engaged in forcible sexual intercourse and other sexual acts with a juvenile known to him. The conduct occurred while the victim was approximately age 7 through the age of 18. 

 

As the investigation progressed, deputies developed probable cause to arrest Kilby. He was taken into custody without incident on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

 

During an interview following his arrest, Kilby admitted to the allegations. He was subsequently lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

 

  • Rape in the First Degree (24 counts)
  • Sodomy in the First Degree (24 counts)
  • Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (24 counts)
  • Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree (24 counts)
  • Incest (24 counts)

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471 referencing case #26-1998.

Roseburg Man Arrested On Rape And Sexual Abuse Charges - 07/01/26

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - On Sunday, June 28, 2026, deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office launched a criminal investigation into a report of juvenile sexual abuse spanning approximately 11 years.

 

The report indicated that 57-year-old John Michael Kilby Jr. of Roseburg, had engaged in forcible sexual intercourse and other sexual acts with a juvenile known to him. The conduct occurred while the victim was approximately age 7 through the age of 18. 

 

As the investigation progressed, deputies developed probable cause to arrest Kilby. He was taken into custody without incident on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

 

During an interview following his arrest, Kilby admitted to the allegations. He was subsequently lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

 

  • Rape in the First Degree (24 counts)
  • Sodomy in the First Degree (24 counts)
  • Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (24 counts)
  • Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree (24 counts)
  • Incest (24 counts)

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471 referencing case #26-1998.

Deputies Investigating Disturbance And Reported Shots Fired Incident On Colonial Road - 06/30/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. - On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, just after midnight, deputies responded to the 2200-block of Colonial Road following reports of a disturbance involving multiple gunshots. 

 

When deputies located the location they determined the residence was vacant. No individuals were found at the scene; however, deputies observed multiple empty beer cans and other indications that a gathering had recently taken place. 

 

A short time later, law enforcement was notified that three individuals were at Mercy Medical Center in the emergency department seeking treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. The individuals were identified as 21-year-old Beto Cortez of Coos Bay, 21-year-old Christopher Bocanegra of North Bend, and 21-year-old Carlos Lopez of Roseburg.

 

According to the three victims, they learned about a party at the residence through social media and attended the gathering. During the event, Cortez was approached by a male who accused him of stealing. The confrontation escalated when the male swung at Cortez, resulting in a physical altercation between the two. 

 

The victims reported that approximately 10 additional people then joined the altercation. Bocanegra and Lopez attempted to intervene and separate Cortez from the group but were also assaulted by multiple individuals. After breaking free from the crowd, the three victims fled to their vehicle at which point multiple gunshots were heard.

 

The investigation into this incident remains active. Anyone with information regarding the disturbance or the individuals involved is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office referencing case #26-2012.

 

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police. 

Deputies Investigating Disturbance And Reported Shots Fired Incident On Colonial Road - 06/30/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. - On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, just after midnight, deputies responded to the 2200-block of Colonial Road following reports of a disturbance involving multiple gunshots. 

 

When deputies located the location they determined the residence was vacant. No individuals were found at the scene; however, deputies observed multiple empty beer cans and other indications that a gathering had recently taken place. 

 

A short time later, law enforcement was notified that three individuals were at Mercy Medical Center in the emergency department seeking treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. The individuals were identified as 21-year-old Beto Cortez of Coos Bay, 21-year-old Christopher Bocanegra of North Bend, and 21-year-old Carlos Lopez of Roseburg.

 

According to the three victims, they learned about a party at the residence through social media and attended the gathering. During the event, Cortez was approached by a male who accused him of stealing. The confrontation escalated when the male swung at Cortez, resulting in a physical altercation between the two. 

 

The victims reported that approximately 10 additional people then joined the altercation. Bocanegra and Lopez attempted to intervene and separate Cortez from the group but were also assaulted by multiple individuals. After breaking free from the crowd, the three victims fled to their vehicle at which point multiple gunshots were heard.

 

The investigation into this incident remains active. Anyone with information regarding the disturbance or the individuals involved is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office referencing case #26-2012.

 

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police.