Major Crimes Investigation (Photo) - 08/20/26

RELEASE DATE: August 20, 2026

INCIDENT DATE: August 19, 2026

REPORTING DEPUTY: Detective Sergeant Kile Henrich 

ARRESTED:  Eric Commins, 59-year-old male

VICTIM:  Alejandro Soto, 38-year-old male

CHARGES: 1 - Assault I

                    2 - Unlawful use of a Weapon

DETAILS: On August 19, 2026, at 7:46 am, deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence in the 300 block of Cherokee Lane in Grants Pass for a report of a male being shot in the chest.  Upon arrival, deputies detained multiple individuals, to include the suspect, and render aid to the victim.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police responded to the scene and began their investigation.  Investigators identified the suspect in this case as Eric Commins. Commins had fired multiple rounds from a .22 caliber pistol at the victim inside the residence. Commins cooperated with the investigation and was later arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on the above listed charges.

The victim, Alejandro Soto, was transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center to be treated for his injuries.

At the time of this press release, no other details are being released.