The Medford Police Department (MPD) has arrested a juvenile male suspect following an armed carjacking that occurred Thursday.

At 11:33 a.m., MPD officers were dispatched to the 700 block of N. Riverside Avenue after receiving a report that a male suspect approached a woman while armed with a handgun and demanded she get out. The female exited the vehicle unharmed. The suspect then fled the area in the vehicle.

At approximately 11:40 a.m., officers located the vehicle unoccupied near Riverside Avenue and McAndrews Road. MPD immediately issued an initial suspect description and all available units responded, establishing a perimeter throughout the area. Officers also notified Rogue Valley Mall security and conducted searches of the mall and surrounding businesses.

Video surveillance later showed the suspect entering Target, where he discarded evidence. This evidence, along with an image captured on surveillance footage, was distributed to responding units. Officers recovered the firearm and additional items inside the business. Shortly afterward, MPD officers observed the suspect walking eastbound on McAndrews near Royal Avenue and took him into custody without incident.

The suspect—identified as a juvenile—was interviewed by MPD Detectives with the assistance of the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. He was lodged at the Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center on the following charges:

 

MPD thanks the District Attorney’s Office, Rogue Valley Mall security, Target and other local businesses for their cooperation during this incident.

This case remains under investigation.

Medford Police arrested three suspects Saturday, November 8, following an armed menacing incident, a vehicle pursuit, and the recovery of two stolen firearms.

Around 8 p.m., officers responded to a report that an occupant of a passing vehicle pointed a firearm at a woman near Crater Lake Avenue and Delta Waters Road. She remained on the phone with dispatch and provided real-time updates.

Officers located the vehicle near Hawthorne Park and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled, lost control while turning from 4th Street onto Jackson Street, and crashed into a fence at Hawthorne Park.

A 17-year-old male remained in the vehicle and was detained. Two others—Kevin J. Borja (26) and Jayden E. Hodge (19)—ran into the park. During the foot chase, Borja discarded a pistol and entered Bear Creek, hiding in thick brush.

The vehicle was connected to a recent armed robbery reported to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (Case SO 25-5780), during which multiple firearms were stolen. One stolen firearm was visible inside the vehicle.

Due to the suspects’ history and the presence of firearms, Medford Police SWAT responded. A thermal drone located a heat source in the brush, and officers used announcements and less-lethal tools before K9 Bruno located and apprehended Borja. Hodge was found shortly afterward and taken into custody without further incident.

JCSO impounded the vehicle and served a search warrant, recovering a second stolen firearm (MPD Case 25-6735).

Borja and Hodge were lodged at the Jackson County Jail. The 17-year-old was detained, and his case will be referred to juvenile authorities.

This case remains under investigation with assistance from JCSO. Anyone with information is asked to contact MPD Incident Number: 25-19324).