Serious Crash Sends Two Teens To Hospital
-03/27/25
SUTHERLIN, Ore. - A two-vehicle crash east of Sutherlin left two teenagers critically injured Wednesday evening.
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025 around 6:40 p.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers received reports of a two-vehicle collision in the area of the intersection of Nonpareil Road and Northside Road.
Deputies along with officers from the Sutherlin Police Department responded to the scene. It was determined a 2009 Silver Acura MDX operated by a 17-year-old female Oakland teen, had been traveling southbound on Northside Road. The Acura came to a stop at the intersection and then pulled into the path of an eastbound 2001 Ford F-250 pickup towing an excavator on a flatbed trailer. The driver of the F-250, 32-year-old Patrick Foley of Sutherlin, attempted to stop his vehicle, but was unable to avoid the collision.
The driver of the Acura and her 17-year-old female passenger from Sutherlin were both seriously injured in the incident. Both teens were transported to Mercy Medical Center and were later transferred to Portland area hospitals.
Foley sustained minor injuries and was fully cooperative with the investigation.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Sutherlin Police Department, Fair Oaks Fire Department, Sutherlin Fire Department, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.
Custody Escape From Douglas County Courtroom Ends In Quick Arrest
-03/21/25
ROSEBURG, Ore. - An adult in custody fled a Douglas County Circuit Court courtroom following a hearing on Friday afternoon prompting a swift and large-scale police search.
24-year-old Alexander Matthew Pearson of Reedsport who was in custody on a probation violation had been transported from the Douglas County Jail to appear in court for a hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, Pearson ran from the courtroom. One deputy was able to grab ahold of Pearson before he pulled away and continued his escape out of the courthouse.
Deputies gave chase and received information from the public that Pearson had ran toward a homeless encampment referred to as "The Point". Multiple deputies both from the patrol and corrections divisions, along with assistance from the Roseburg Police Department and Douglas County Parole and Probation converged on the area and began searching.
After approximately 20 minutes, Pearson was located hiding under a blanket in a tent. He was taken into custody without further incident. Pearson now faces additional charges to include Escape II and Resisting Arrest.
Public Meeting Notice: Dog Control Advisory Board
-03/17/25
ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Dog Control Advisory Board will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, Room 216, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon 97470.
The agenda meeting agenda can be located at: www.dcso.com/dogboard.
To view the live stream or post-meeting recording, please visit: https://video.ibm.com/channel/douglascountyoregon.
In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to submit public comment related to specific agenda items. Members of the public who wish to comment can do so: (1) In person, (2) by submitting via email at kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov or (3) by virtual format via www.zoom.com Meeting 850 9182 7983 (Passcode – 6hV4Wa).
As part of public policy, Douglas County will attempt to provide public accessibility to services, programs, and activities. If accommodation is needed to participate at this meeting, please contact Kaylee Tucker (541) 440-4449 kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
Douglas County Flooding Evening Update (Photo)
-03/16/25
*** UPDATE TO SHELTERS - THE GLENDALE SHELTER HAS CLOSED ***
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Today, Douglas County has experienced extensive flooding affecting various areas of the county. As water levels fluctuate, residents are urged to use heightened caution. The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind residents that certain areas may still experience high water levels for some time. This can be particularly challenging to identify after dusk. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety while driving.
Residents who feel it is unsafe to remain at their homes should not wait for a notice to evacuate and should relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.
Many of the temporary shelters that opened during the day have closed. However, one shelter remains operational this evening located at the Drain Church of Christ (401 2nd Street, Drain).
Any resident experiencing a need for assistance is requested to contact Douglas County Emergency Communications at (541) 440-4471.
Emergency responders have been responding to a surge in flood-related emergencies alongside their regular calls for service. With roads inundated and conditions hazardous, community members are urged to reduce travel to alleviate additional strain on resources. By minimizing unnecessary trips, residents can play a role in supporting emergency efforts and ensuring swift responses where they are most needed.
Sheriff Hanlin and Douglas County Commissioners have been and will continue to provide leadership during the emergency response and subsequent recovery working hand in hand with municipal and community partners.
No further updates are expected this evening.
Avalanche Incident At Mt. Bailey Near Diamond Lake Claims Life Of Bend Man (Photo)
-03/14/25
DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - On Thursday, March 13, 2025, a group of skiers experienced an avalanche incident while skiing on the north/northwest side of Mt. Bailey within the motorized closure area. The group, the fourth of the day to enjoy cat skiing at Mt. Bailey, a service through Diamond Lake Resort, encountered unforeseen challenges despite prior avalanche test digs earlier in the day.
The avalanche occurred at approximately 3:45 PM, trapping one member of the party, identified as 50-year-old Brian Thomas Roberts of Bend, Oregon, under the snow. Despite efforts by fellow party members who swiftly dug him out, and attempted lifesaving efforts by two nurses on the scene, Roberts succumbed to his injuries in the remote location.
The group of skiers managed to navigate approximately two miles to the nearest snowmobile trail, where they were met by responders and Diamond Lake Resort staff. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) assessed others with the ski party who were injured at Three Lakes Snow Park. One additional member of the group sustained a laceration or puncture injury during the avalanche, believed to be caused by a branch or ski pole, but declined ambulance transport.
Responding to the incident were Diamond Lake Resort employees, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, US Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance. The Sheriff’s Office also received support from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management Search and Rescue Coordinator.
Crash Kills Juvenile, Father Arrested In Glendale (Photo)
-03/11/25
GLENDALE, Ore. – A 55-year-old Wolf Creek man was arrested on charges of second-degree manslaughter after a pickup truck crash killed his 11-year-old daughter Monday afternoon. Driver impairment is considered a factor in the crash.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were called to a motor vehicle crash on Oregon Department of Forestry land bordering the 1200 block of Tunnel Road in Glendale at about 1:30 pm Monday, March 10, 2025. The pickup, a green Ford F250, was reportedly occupied by the driver, Ian Anthony Fleming, and three juvenile females when the crash occurred.
The three juvenile passengers were thrown from the vehicle as it rolled multiple times down an embankment. All juveniles sustained injuries. Fleming was able to get out of the vehicle on his own and he then attempted to get medical care for his seriously injured daughter. He used a borrowed vehicle to drive his daughter to the ambulance station on Tunnel Road. Glendale Ambulance paramedics declared her deceased shortly after.
The two other juveniles were transported by Glendale Ambulance to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford for treatment.
DCSO Detectives responded to the scene after deputies reported Fleming had fled. Fleming later returned to the location of the crash and was interviewed. Detectives determined alcohol and drugs were a factor in the crash and arrested Fleming for Manslaughter II. He was lodged at the Douglas County jail.
Search And Rescue Locates Missing North Umpqua Trail Hiker (Photo)
-03/07/25
IDLEYLD PARK, Ore. – A Glide woman who was the subject of a search and rescue operation has been located alive and uninjured.
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, around 8:20 p.m., Douglas County Dispatch received a missing person report from the family of 18-year-old Danielle Clinesmith. Clinesmith had reportedly gone hiking on the North Umpqua Trail from Swiftwater Park earlier in the day but failed to return. She had intended to only be out for a short period of time and had no supplies with her. Family members had attempted a search but couldn’t locate Clinesmith whose vehicle was located at the trailhead with her cellphone in the center console.
Deputies along with Douglas County Search and Rescue volunteers responded and began coordinated search efforts. Deployed resources included ground searchers, K9 teams, drone operations, and roving searchers in vehicles.
At approximately 4:30 am on Friday, March 7, Search and Rescue volunteers located Clinesmith walking along Highway 138E. She was uninjured and did not require medical assistance. Clinesmith reported it had become too dark, and she felt it best to continue walking on the trail until she was able to get to the Tioga Bridge to get back to the highway. In total searchers believe she walked approximately 7.25 miles on the trail which had been badly damaged in the 2020 Archie Creek Fire and still contains numerous downed trees, debris and damaged bridges. She then walked approximately 4 miles along the highway before being located.
Searchers provided Clinesmith a ride and reunited her with her family.
Fatal House Fire In Camas Valley
-03/06/25
CAMAS VALLEY, Ore. - A man died in a Camas Valley house fire Wednesday evening.
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, shortly before 9:30 pm, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a report of a house fire in the 300-block of Holmes Creek Road in Camas Valley. Callers were reporting a subject confined to a wheelchair was still inside the structure. Witnesses made multiple attempts to get the subject out of the home.
Firefighters from a several local fire departments responded to the blaze along with deputies. Two individuals were evaluated for injuries sustained in the incident. Firefighters were able to locate the victim inside the home who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Deputies identified the victim as 76-year-old Richard Wayne Bemiller of Camas Valley.
The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office responded to the scene along with the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office. The investigation into the fire is ongoing.
At this time, no further updates are expected by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
In addition to the agencies already mentioned, the following also responded: Camas Valley Fire Department, Tenmile Fire Department, Central Douglas Fire and Rescue, Lookingglass Fire Department, Winston Police Department, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, REACH Air Medical Services, Douglas Electric.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office Warns Of Recurring Scams Targeting Residents
-03/04/25
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is once again warning residents about a common scam that has resurfaced in our community. Individuals are receiving fraudulent calls claiming they missed jury duty and must immediately pay a $1,000 fine. The caller, often using the names of actual staff members such as Lt. Jerry Tilley, pressures victims to pay the fine through gift cards or cash apps.
This is the same scam the Sheriff's Office has warned about several times over the past several years. Scammers continue to exploit fear and urgency by using the names of real officials to create a sense of legitimacy. However, it’s important to remember that legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment for fines via cash apps, gift cards, or any other unconventional methods. Nor will law enforcement call residents advising them a warrant has been issued for their arrest.
"This is not the first time we've seen this scam, and unfortunately, it continues to target members of our community," said Undersheriff Brad O’Dell. "We want to remind residents that this tactic is fraudulent and ask that they share this warning with elderly friends and family members.”
O'Dell emphasized the role that retailers and cashiers can play in preventing these scams. "Retailers and their staff can help protect the public from scams like this," said O'Dell. "Posting signs at checkout stands and educating cashiers to recognize warning signs can be incredibly helpful.”
Residents are strongly encouraged to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment for any alleged fines, especially those related to jury duty. If you receive such a call, do not engage with the caller. Simply hang up and report the incident to law enforcement.
For further information or to report a scam attempt, please contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471.
