MPD Identifies Suspects In Armed Robbery And Vehicle Pursuit - 09/02/26

The Medford Police Department is identifying the two suspects arrested in connection with an armed robbery at Walgreens and a subsequent vehicle pursuit on September 1, 2026.

On August 30, 2026, at approximately 8:45 p.m., MPD responded to a reported armed robbery at the Walgreens on West Main Street. Store employees reported confronting a male and female who were attempting to leave the store with a shopping cart full of unpaid merchandise. During the confrontation, the female suspect allegedly produced a handgun, pointed it at an employee, and threatened to shoot.

The suspects left the area in a white midsize SUV with a black roof rack. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects or vehicle at that time. Security footage corroborated employee statements, and investigators obtained video and still images of the suspects and involved vehicle.

On September 1, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., an MPD officer located the suspected vehicle near Sage Road and Highway 238. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled at a high rate of speed.

Due to the nature of the underlying armed robbery investigation, officers initiated a pursuit. The vehicle traveled through several areas before entering Interstate 5 northbound. MPD officers were assisted by the Oregon State Police and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

The pursuit continued northbound on Interstate 5, where multiple attempts to deploy spike strips were made. Spike strips were successfully deployed near milepost 54, and the suspect vehicle came to a stop. Both occupants were taken into custody. Interstate 5 traffic was significantly slowed during the incident but has since reopened.

After an extensive investigation, including the successful use of Automated License Plate Reader technology, Detectives have lodged Sharlene Elizabeth Paul, 49, and Cody Katcheech, 36, at the Jackson County Jail on charges related to both the August 30 Walgreens robbery and the September 1 vehicle elude.

Sharlene Elizabeth Paul:

• Robbery in the First Degree
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon x 2
• Kidnap in the First Degree
• Elude (Vehicle)
• Reckless Driving
• Theft in the Second Degree

Cody Katcheech:

• Probation Violation
• Felony Driving While Suspended
• Theft in the Second Degree

This case has been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. As this continues to be an ongoing investigation, there will be no further information released at this time.

Arrest Made In Drive-By Shooting Investigation - 09/01/26

On August 20, 2026, the Medford Police Department received a report that a residence in the 3000 block of Carnelian Street had been damaged by gunfire during the previous night. Investigators confirmed that a window had been struck by a bullet and, through video evidence, identified a vehicle believed to be involved.

The same residence was previously targeted in drive-by shootings on July 26 and July 27, 2025. During that investigation, detectives developed probable cause to arrest 31-year-old Joel Matthew Caswell. Caswell was arrested on August 27, 2025, and remains in custody.

During the current investigation, detectives determined that Caswell was associated with 50-year-old Phillip Leo Muradanes. Detectives also identified Muradanes as being associated with a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle believed to have been used in the August 20 shooting.

On August 31, 2026, detectives located Muradanes at a local motel and took him into custody. He was lodged on the following charges:

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Criminal Mischief in the 1^st Degree
• Parole Board Warrant

Based on the investigation, detectives developed probable cause to believe Caswell conspired with Muradanes in the August 20, 2026, drive-by shooting.

On August 31, 2026, Caswell was charged with:

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Use of a Weapon

The case has been forwarded to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. No further information will be released at this time.