Click-It-Or-Ticket

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in a national Click It or Ticket seatbelt campaign which takes place May 23 through June 5, 2022. To kick off the national campaign, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested that all states participate in a one-day, 4-hour event on May 23, 2022, titled Border to Border to raise seat belt awareness. The B2B initiative aims to increase law enforcement participation by coordinating highly visible seat belt enforcement for drivers at state border checkpoints.  

According to NHTSA, in 2020, there were 10,893 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States. In that same year, 58% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign and the B2B kickoff event is nighttime enforcement.

“The Border to Border component of the Click It or Ticket campaign is important because it raises awareness about seat belt safety during a time when statistically seat belt use is decreased,” said Lt. Brad O’Dell “As we approach the Memorial Day holiday weekend and see an increase in the amount of traffic on the roadways, it is important to get the word out about the importance of seat belt safety. Our goal is to educate and prevent senseless deaths.”

Assigned deputies will specifically be looking for seat belt violations, including child restraint law violations. Funding for the enhanced patrols is obtained through grants administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit NHTSA.gov/ciot.
 

2021 Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week in which it falls, National Police Week. 
Across the United States, ceremonies are held to remember those serving in law enforcement who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office will host a local Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on the front lawn of the Douglas County Courthouse to pay tribute to the six law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty:

•    Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - EOW August 7, 1959
•    Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985
•    Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985
•    Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985
•    Deputy Morris L. Taylor - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW September 14, 2002
•    Deputy S. Allen Burdic - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW March 11, 2021

The ceremony, which will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 9:00 am, is open to members of the community who wish to pay remembrance to the fallen and their families. The tribute will include a police honor guard, wreath laying ceremony, bagpipes and a 21-gun salute. 
 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - It seems to make its rounds every few months. The phone rings, it is answered and the person on the other end of the telephone identifies themselves as a law enforcement officer and tells the person that they have missed jury duty, failed to pay some fines, or they have a warrant for their arrest. Eventually, the caller states it can be cleared up by paying fees or fines in the form of Western Union, pre-loaded debit cards or gift cards. 

HANG UP! IT IS A SCAM! 

The Sheriff's Office has been receiving calls from members of the community reporting they have received such calls from people claiming to work for the Sheriff's Office. Some names they are providing are actual names of Sheriff's Office staff members. It is critically important for our community to be aware of these tactics and to share them with their friends and family members, especially those who may be vulnerable to falling victim to the scams, such as the elderly members of the community. 

"It is important for retailers to inform their staff members about the scam and to ask them to be watchful for people who may be making the transactions in relation to the scam", said Lt. Brad O'Dell. Posting information about these scam tactics at cash registers or check-out points may also be helpful.Law Enforcement will not call people to let them know they have a warrant, rather they will make personal contact. 

If you believe you have fallen victim to this scam, please contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 541-440-4471.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office is investigating an in-custody death after an adult in custody (AIC) was found unresponsive in their cell Saturday night at the Douglas County Jail.

On Saturday, May 7, 2022, shortly before 9:00pm, deputies called for an ambulance for an unresponsive 56-year-old male in the intake center of the facility. Facility staff attempted lifesaving efforts until the arrival of the ambulance. Paramedics continued efforts to revive the AIC, identified as 56-year-old Darin McCafferty of Elk Grove California, which were unsuccessful. Mr. McCafferty was declared deceased and his next of kin was notified.

"On behalf of Sheriff John Hanlin and his staff, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office extends its sincere sympathies to the family of Mr. McCafferty during this difficult time," Lt. Brad O'Dell said.

The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office was notified and is investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr. McCafferty's death. An autopsy is expected to be completed early this week by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office in Clackamas to determine the cause and manner of death. 

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an assault that occurred on Sunday near the 7000-block of Melqua Road and is asking for assistance in solving it.

On Sunday, May 1, 2022, shortly before 5:00 am, deputies were advised of a man in the emergency department at Mercy Medical Center who had reportedly been assaulted. The 25-year-old victim, Bryce Thomas Watson of Winston, sustained injuries during the incident and was later transported to a Portland area hospital for further treatment.

Deputies learned the incident occurred in an area commonly referred to as Long's Ranch located in the 7000-block of Melqua Road and there were witnesses to the incident. Deputies are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information to contact the Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471 and reference Case #22-1837.

The incident remains under investigation.

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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Marine Deputies have scheduled FREE boat safety inspection events in three locations on three separate days.

The purpose of the event is to provide boaters the opportunity to have their pre-season safety inspections completed prior to boating season. 

“This is a great way to ensure you have all of the required safety equipment, learn about lifejacket safety or boating laws and ask marine deputies any boating related questions you might have," Lt. Brad O'Dell said.

The inspection process will include checking for: 

• Approved Life Jackets
• Working fire extinguishers 
• Approved type IV floatation devices
• Approved sound producing equipment 
• Working engine blower fan
• Assistance with the proper placement of registration numbers and stickers. 

Upon passing the inspection, boaters will be provided with a 2022 inspection sticker. The dates, times and locations are as follows:  

• Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 9am-2pm at the Winston Bi-Mart (391 NW Douglas Blvd, Winston)
• Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 9am-2pm at the Sutherlin Bi-Mart (388 E. Central Ave, Sutherlin)
• Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 1pm-4pm at the Douglas Co. Fairgrounds (2110 Freer St, Roseburg)