On Friday, August 9th, 2019 the Roseburg Police Department conducted a pedestrian safety crosswalk event on SE Pine Street in Roseburg.  The event went from 08:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.  The following are the enforcement numbers from that event.

22 citations for crosswalk violations

16 warnings for crosswalk violations

7 citations for driving while suspended or driving without a license

1 citation for driving while using a cell phone

2 "other" citations

1 felony arrest

On Thursday, August 8th, 2019 just after 2300 hours, the Roseburg Police Department responded to the report of an armed robbery at Renard's, 2230 Stewart Parkway in Roseburg.  It was further reported that the male suspect fled the business on foot, prior to police arrival.  Numerous Officers immediately canvassed the area, and were assisted by Douglas County Sheriff's Office K9 Grim and his handler, but they were unable to locate the suspect.

An employee of the business, and other witnesses, described a tall male, approximately 6'2" to 6'4" with a slender build and a bandana over his face, entered the business and walked to the register.  He pulled out a firearm and demanded money from the employee.  The employee opened the register and gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money, and the suspect then left the business.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Roseburg Police Department at rpdpio@cityofroseburg.org or call the tip line at 541-492-6794.  

On August 9th, 2019, the Roseburg Police Department will have Officers on duty who will be conducting pedestrian safety events around crosswalk areas in the City of Roseburg to enforce laws regarding pedestrian safety.  These events are made possible through a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

The goal of this event is to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities and to remind drivers to be cautious when approaching crosswalks, and to yield to pedestrians who are utilizing those crossing areas. According to statistics provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation, pedestrians accounted for an average of 14% of traffic fatalities from 2008 through 2010 in Oregon. For 2008-2010, an average of 660 pedestrians were injured and 51 killed in motor vehicle crashes. Oregon's streets and highways are busy -- roadways that must be shared by drivers and pedestrians alike. The majority of driver errors in motor vehicle / pedestrian crashes are a failure of drivers to yield to the pedestrian. And half of the pedestrians who are struck by vehicles are hit while they are in a crosswalk. Pedestrians and motorists both share in the responsibility of pedestrian safety. However, under Oregon law, drivers have specific responsibilities.

When turning at a traffic signal, drivers must:
* Stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane into which your vehicle is turning and at least 6 feet of the next lane.

At any other crosswalks - whether marked with paint or unmarked - drivers must:
* Stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane in which you are traveling (or into which you are turning) and the next lane.
* Stop and remain stopped for students as you are directed by a crossing guard.
* Stop and remain stopped for a blind pedestrian using a white cane or a guide dog until the pedestrian is completely across the roadway.

Safety Tips

* Remember, under Oregon law there is a crosswalk at every intersection.
* Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. A stopped car may be a clue that a pedestrian is crossing. When stopping for a crosswalk on a multi-lane road, you should stop about 30 feet before the crosswalk so you don't block visibility to a driver in a second lane.
* When stopping at an intersection, do not block the crosswalk. This forces pedestrians to go around your vehicle and puts them in a dangerous situation.
* Watch for pedestrians, especially children, when exiting driveways or when backing out of parking spaces in parking lots.
* Pedestrians move at different speeds. Be alert for children who may suddenly dart into the street. Be patient with older adults who take extra time to cross the street.
* Around taverns and bars, be alert for people with slowed reaction times or impaired judgment.
* Be alert for people or animals during low-light conditions, especially in areas where they are likely to cross the road, or you might not see them until it is too late to stop.

On July 28, 2019 at approximately 2030 hours, the Roseburg Police Department responded to a single vehicle collision on Garden Valley at the intersection of NE Cedar.  A motorcycle operated by Jeffrey Lynn Shipman (59 years of age), left the roadway and collided with a building at this location. 

Shipman sustained life threatening injuries during the collision and was transported to Mercy Medical Center and then life-flighted to Sacred Heart for treatment.  Shipman is currently in critical condition.

Officers spoke with witnesses who heard the motorcycle accelerating, and then saw the rider lose control as he attempted to negotiate the turn from westbound Garden Valley to southbound Cedar Street and ultimately into the wall of 161 NE Garden Valley. The investigation is ongoing, however, alcohol is believed to be a factor.