Teen Arrested For Criminally Negligent Homicide After Rollover Car Crash Kills Passenger, Sparks East Evans Creek Fire (Photo) - 09/22/26
JCSO Case 26-3535
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies arrested a 17-year-old driver Friday, September 18 following a vehicle crash that killed his passenger and sparked the 15,000-acre East Evans Creek Fire. The 18-year-old male passenger in the involved 2002 Ford Ranger died July 18 at a local hospital from injuries sustained in the crash.
The suspect, a 17-year-old male, is charged with criminally negligent homicide, reckless driving, and second-degree criminal mischief. JCSO deputies lodged the suspect in the Jackson County Juvenile Detention facility. In accordance with Oregon law, we are not releasing the driver's name because he is a juvenile.
Friday, July 10 at 2:39 PM, ECSO dispatch received a call for a rollover motor vehicle crash in the 18,000 block of East Evans Creek Road in rural Rogue River. An Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Type 6 engine with a two-person crew was on patrol in the area and was on scene within approximately 30 seconds. The crew rendered aid, while simultaneously engaging in suppression efforts on the fire. They immediately ordered additional air and ground resources from ODF dispatch, initiating a full response to the incident. Within minutes the fire had spread to dry vegetation in the area leading to evacuation of nearby residences and eventually growing to more than 15,000 acres.
Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team investigators responded to the scene shortly after the crash. The preliminary investigation determined the suspect’s truck left a nearby licensed cannabis production location at a high rate of speed before crashing into the power pole. Investigators also determined the driver did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash. Analysis of physical and digital evidence was completed last week, which confirmed speed was the primary contributing factor in the crash.
The STAR Team is 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, Ashland Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
This case remains under investigation. The victim’s name will not be released at this time. Any further information will be released by the District Attorney’s Office.
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