Perimeter Line Completed on I-5 MM 57 NB Fire, Containment Strengthened
Fire crews strengthened containment and improved fireline around the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire overnight, completing line around the perimeter of the estimated 96 acre blaze. The Oregon Department of Forestry reported an infrared-equipped UAS drone mapped the fire, providing an accurate measure of the fire's size. Approximately 125 personnel are assigned to the incident today, including five 20-person hand crews, five Type 6 engines, five water tenders, and five dozers. On the north flank of the fire, crews have completed 10 feet of mop-up from the fire's edge. Work on the south flank is progressing through heavier, denser fuels, where lingering heat and thick vegetation require more time and attention. Firefighters will be working in steep terrain. Despite cooler temperatures expected today, wind gusts this afternoon could still support spot fires. A Type 1 helicopter and a Type 2 helicopter are assigned to the incident today, with additional aircraft available if needed to support suppression efforts. A Level 2: BE SET Evacuation Warning is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, and JCU-422-B. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Order for Zone JCU-422-C is also in effect. As a reminder, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area. Drones are prohibited. Northbound traffic is reduced to one lane as cars travel past the fire area.
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GP Police Continue Search for Wanted Man Following Disturbance, Car Chase
Grants Pass Police continue searching for a domestic disturbance suspect. Dispatch was notified around 7:22 a.m. of a domestic disturbance in the 1400 block of NE Meier Drive. Police discovered the suspect had fled out the back door. After the investigation, officers established probable cause to arrest Anthony Teal, 36, for Strangulation and Menacing. The search continued for Teal in the area. He was then reported stealing a car at the corner of NE D Street and Beacon Drive. Teal had pulled the male driver out of his car, who attempted to keep control. With the victim driver hanging on, Teal hurriedly accelerated onto NE D. He then struck another motorist who had stopped after seeing the car theft. Teal sped backwards, with the victim driver still being dragged from the car, but who was soon able to free himself. Teal then fled that scene, and American Medical Response aided the victim driver. A Josephine County Sheriff’s deputy located Teal near the railroad bridge on the Grants Pass Parkway. A traffic stop was attempted, but Teal eluded. The pursuit was terminated, and law enforcement lost sight of Teal because it was too dangerous to follow him closely. ...Read more
Medford Man Indicted, Lodged on 12 Child Sex Abuse Charges
A report of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) on a mobile device led to the arrest of a 29-year-old Medford man. A Jackson County Grand Jury returned an indictment Tuesday on all charges. The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team and Medford Police Department had arrested the suspect Thursday, July 23rd at a residence in the 800 block of Bennett Avenue. The suspect, Jonathan Daniel Marquez, 29, of Medford, is charged with two counts of First Degree Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse, and 10 counts of Second Degree Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse. He is lodged in the Jackson County Jail. SOCET began their investigation after MPD received a report of CSAM on a mobile device which led to subpoenas, followed by a search warrant at the residence. The Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force assisted in the investigation.
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