Sheriff's Announces Results Of Enhanced DUII Enforcement Campaign - 01/13/26

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office conducted enhanced DUII patrols during the holiday season which ran December 10, 2025, through January 1, 2026.
 

Utilizing grant dollars administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation, 3 deputies utilized a total of 19 hours of enhanced DUII patrol time on the roadways at various times during the enforcement period. During the course of the efforts, deputies made 2 DUII arrests and issued 4 Minor in Possession citations.
 

Deputies also took the following enforcement actions:
 

• 1 citation for Driving While Suspended
• 16 warnings for speeding
• 5 warnings for seat belt violations
• 21 warnings for other moving violations
• 2 warnings for distracted driving/cell phone use

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), pre-pandemic (2020) an average of 448 deaths and 1,739 serious injury crashes occurred on Oregon roadways. According to a June 2025 update by ODOT, post-pandemic numbers between 2021 and 2023 were alarming. Between the years 2021-2023, there were 1,789 deaths and 9,517 serious injuries reported. That is a 33% and 82% increase, respectively. On average, one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020. This is why the Sheriff’s Office is working together with NHTSA and OI to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, but also a matter of life and death. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office Announces Staff Awards (Photo) - 01/01/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce several awards and recognitions presented during the month of December to staff members whose service, leadership, and actions exemplify the highest standards of public safety and professionalism. 

Lieutenant Kelley Bean was honored by the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association (OSSA) as Enforcement Commander of the Year. Lt. Bean has served the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office since 1998 and currently serves as the Investigations Lieutenant. In this role, he oversees major crimes investigations, medical examiner investigators, and administrative support functions. His leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to professional development have contributed to effective case management, strong collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, and successful investigative outcomes. Lt. Bean’s career reflects consistent dedication to mentorship, training, and operational excellence. 

Deanna Stone, Civil Process Clerk with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, was awarded OSSA’s Civil Support Staff of the Year. As the agency’s sole civil clerk, Deanna plays a critical role in maintaining daily operations and public service. She routinely supports the Records Clerks and front office functions and demonstrated exceptional dedication during a period of reduced staffing by assuming additional responsibilities to ensure uninterrupted service. Additionally, she serves the community as a Douglas County Search and Rescue volunteer. Her professionalism, reliability, and commitment to teamwork exemplify the vital role support staff play in the success of the agency. 

In addition to the statewide OSSA awards, Sheriff John Hanlin presented Deputy Jake Littrell with a Lifesaving Award for his actions during a water rescue on November 22, 2025, at Tahkenitch Lake. Deputy Littrell responded to an overturned boat and located an individual still in the water, exhausted and without a life jacket. Acting quickly and without immediate assistance, he used a paddle boat to reach the individual, while in full duty gear, to bring them safely to shore. His decisive actions prevented a likely drowning and demonstrated courage, sound judgment, and dedication to preserving life. 

“These awards represent the professionalism, dedication, and service-oriented mindset of our staff,” said Sheriff John Hanlin. “Each of these individuals goes above and beyond in their roles, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to our agency and our community.” 

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office congratulates all award recipients and thanks its staff for their continued dedication to public safety.

Sheriff's Office Renews Call For Information Regarding Missing Man - 12/24/25

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the disappearance of a Christmas Valley man whose vehicle was previously located abandoned in the Elliott State Forest, and investigators are again asking for the public’s assistance.

Since the initial report, Douglas County Search and Rescue, along with teams from Josephine, Jackson, Siskiyou, and Klamath Counties have conducted supplemental searches in and around the area where the vehicle was found. Those efforts did not reveal any additional information or result in locating 61-year-old Robert Cotter.

The investigation remains ongoing, and deputies continue to follow up on leads and information related to Cotter’s disappearance. Cotter was last seen on November 2, 2025, and his white 2002 Ford utility pickup was discovered unoccupied on November 30, 2025, on an unmaintained roadway in the Elliott State Forest near Loon Lake.

The Sheriff’s Office is again asking anyone who may have seen Cotter, had contact with him, or observed his vehicle after November 2^nd to come forward. Even information that may seem minor could be helpful to the investigation. Please call (541) 440-4471 and reference Douglas County Sheriff’s Office case #25-4113.

In addition to the agencies listed above, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has received investigative assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff's Office To Participate In Enhanced DUII Patrols This Holiday Season - 12/22/25

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - This holiday season, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Oregon Impact (OI) to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving. The Sheriff’s Office, NHTSA and OI want all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drivers will see officers working together December 10, 2025, through January 1, 2026, to take drunk drivers off the roads. Deputies will specifically work overtime during the enforcement period with a focus of identifying and stopping impaired drivers. Funding for the enforcement is made possible through DUII enforcement grant dollars.  
 

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), pre-pandemic (2020) an average of 448 deaths and 1,739 serious injury crashes occurred on Oregon roadways. According to a June 2025 update by ODOT, post-pandemic numbers between 2021 and 2023 were alarming. Between the years 2021-2023, there were 1,789 deaths and 9,517 serious injuries reported. That is a 33% and 82% increase, respectively. On average, one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020. This is why the Sheriff’s Office is working together with NHTSA and OI to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, but also a matter of life and death. As you head out to the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
 

“It’s so important that drivers act responsibly, and that includes refraining from impaired driving,” said Undersheriff Brad O'Dell. “The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want our community members to enjoy this season. We need commitment from drivers that they’ll keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday. This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and will not be tolerated. Help us put an end to this senseless behavior,” he said. 
 

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, NHTSA and OI are reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. “Drunk driving is not acceptable behavior,” said Undersheriff O’Dell. “It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you ever leave for the party. There are too many options to get home safely. There are just no excuses for drunk driving,” he said.

The Sheriff’s Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage. Designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride service, or call a taxi or a sober friend to get home safely. 
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, report them to law enforcement.
  • This behavior could include swerving in the lane, inconsistent speeds, quick braking, excessive speeds, careless driving and many others.
• Take the keys away from friends and family who are about to drive under the influence and make a plan to get them home safely. It may hurt their feelings, but it will likely save a life.

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.