Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Claims Lives Of Two Ashland High School Students - 02/22/26

JCSO Case 26-0904

ASHLAND, Ore. - The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the lives of two teenagers early Sunday morning. On February 22, at approximately 12:44 a.m., JCSO deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash in the 1350 block of East Nevada Street in rural Ashland. Upon arrival, emergency personnel located an Audi A6 that had struck a tree.

The car was occupied by five 17-year-old juveniles. Tragically, the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. Jackson County Fire District 5 and Ashland Fire & Rescue personnel conducted a complex extrication to remove the remaining occupants from the vehicle. The Ashland Police Department (APD) responded to assist with the investigation.

Mercy Flights transported the four remaining occupants to a local hospital with critical injuries. Shortly after arrival, a passenger was pronounced deceased. The three remaining occupants continue to receive care at the hospital and are in stable condition.
 

The families of those involved have been notified. Out of respect for their privacy during this extremely difficult time, the names of the juveniles are being withheld. All five occupants were students at Ashland High School. The Ashland School District has been notified, and grief counseling resources are being coordinated for students and staff.

Ashland School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Hattrick shared the following statement:

“This is a devastating tragedy for our entire community. As a district, we are committed to surrounding our students, staff, and families with compassion, stability, and care in the days ahead.  We will be providing counseling support through local and regional support teams for as long as necessary. We ask our community to hold these families close in your thoughts and to honor their privacy as they navigate this profound loss.”

Ashland High School Principal Francisco Atanes added:

“Our hearts are shattered by this unimaginable loss. These students were valued members of our school community, and their absence will be deeply felt in our classrooms, on our campus, and throughout our town. Right now, our focus is on caring for our students, staff, and families as we grieve together and support one another.”

The preliminary investigation indicates the car was traveling eastbound on East Nevada Street at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control prior to a 90-degree curve, causing the car to leave the roadway and strike a tree. The impact caused catastrophic damage to the vehicle.

The case is being investigated by the Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team, a specialized unit dedicated to investigating fatal and complex serious injury collisions. The team operates through a collaborative interagency agreement between JCSO, Medford Police Department, APD, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

JCSO extends our deepest condolences and prayers to the families, friends, and the entire Ashland community affected by this tragedy.

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Flock Camera Alerts Local Law Enforcement To Portland Armed Carjacking Suspects, Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Two Following White City Elude (Photo) - 02/20/26

JCSO Case 26-0879

WHITE CITY, Ore. — The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) arrested two armed carjacking suspects this morning following the theft of a vehicle at gunpoint in Portland. At 8:46 a.m. on Friday, February 20, a Flock License Plate Reader camera alerted JCSO deputies to the stolen vehicle’s presence in the White City area. 

Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield, leading deputies on a pursuit through the area of White City between Antelope Road and Avenue G. The suspect vehicle crashed into two uninvolved vehicles and was ultimately immobilized on Avenue G near Highway 62. 

Three individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot, but were quickly outperformed and taken into custody. JCSO was assisted in the response by the Eagle Point Police Department and the Oregon State Police (OSP).

During the pursuit, a JCSO patrol vehicle was involved in a minor collision with an Eagle Point School District bus. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. OSP is investigating the crash. 

JCSO deputies arrested one adult and one juvenile suspect. The adult driver, Jhaywon Damon Brant, 21, of Beaverton, is charged with Attempting to Elude (Vehicle), Attempting to Elude (Foot), Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Criminal Mischief II, Providing False Information to a Police Officer, and a Detainer for Parole Violation. The juvenile suspect was lodged in the Jackson County Juvenile Detention facility for a Felony Parole Warrant.

The armed robbery is under investigation by the Portland Police Bureau. The local investigation is ongoing. Further information about yesterday’s carjacking may come from the Portland Police Bureau. There is no more information available at this time. 

Local Man Dies While Hiking Wagner Butte; Search And Rescue Assists With Challenging Recovery (Photo) - 02/18/26

JCSO Case 26-0801

RURAL TALENT, Ore. – On Sunday, February 15, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a report of a deceased adult male near the summit of the Wagner Butte Trail outside Talent. The individual was located at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet in steep, mountainous terrain.

The decedent is identified as Michael James Beagle, 63, of Central Point. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

JCSO Medical Examiner detectives investigated and determined the death was the result of a medical event. No suspicious circumstances were observed and there is no further investigation.

The recovery required JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) deputies and volunteers to respond in challenging conditions, including snow, ice, high elevation, and an approaching winter storm. Teams worked until after sundown to help ensure other hikers in the area exited safely as weather conditions deteriorated.

On the morning of Monday, February 16, SAR teams returned to recover Mr. Beagle. After approximately 10 hours in the field — navigating more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain over a 10-mile round trip in snow and strong winds — volunteers safely and respectfully recovered him and transferred him to a local funeral home.

JCSO Search and Rescue is comprised of more than 100 highly trained volunteers dedicated to serving our community in difficult and often hazardous conditions.

Michael “Mike” Beagle served as the Southern Oregon University (SOU) Alumni Director. In a heartfelt tribute, SOU shared: “Mike left us while doing what he loved most, exploring the mountains and forests of Southern Oregon. We will carry forward his warmth, his humor, and his unwavering love for SOU.”

There is no further information available for release.

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White City Man Arrested On Sex Abuse Charges Of Teen Girl, Detectives Believe There Are Additional Victims (Photo) - 02/10/26

JCSO Case 26-0617

WHITE CITY, Ore. – A Jackson County Grand Jury indicted a 19-year-old White City man today on charges of unlawful sexual penetration in the second degree and sexual abuse in the third degree. The suspect, Eli Mulugeta Young, 19, of White City is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

On Friday, February 6, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a report of 19-year-old man sexually abusing a girl under the age of 14. JCSO deputies arrested the man in the 7000 block of Houston Loop in White City.

JCSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives believe Young may have other victims. Anyone with information about the pictured suspect is asked to call SVU Detective Jill Wenzel at (541) 770-8928.

JCSO SVU detectives are currently investigating this case. Further information will come from the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.

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Missing Eugene Man Located Deceased Outside Ashland - 02/10/26

JCSO Case 25-6554

RURAL ASHLAND, Ore. – The body of a Eugene man missing since December has been located near Mill Creek Drive and Highway 66 outside of Ashland. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Medical Examiner detectives have scientifically identified the body as Damon Lee Petrie, 60, of Eugene. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

JCSO deputies, detectives, and Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel conducted extensive searches for Petrie after he was reported missing on December 18, 2025. Petrie’s body was found by a hiker on Saturday, February 7.

The cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy and toxicology report. No further information is available at this time.

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