Public Meeting Notice: Dog Control Advisory Board - 09/18/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Dog Control Advisory Board will hold a meeting on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, Room 216, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon 97470.

The agenda meeting agenda can be located at: www.dcso.com/dogboard. 

To view the live stream or post-meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to submit public comment related to specific agenda items. Members of the public who wish to comment can do so: (1) In person, (2) by submitting via email at kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov or (3) by virtual format via Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 231 251 615 228 (Passcode: md3oF6dW)

As part of public policy, Douglas County will attempt to provide public accessibility to services, programs, and activities. If accommodation is needed to participate at this meeting, please contact Kaylee Tucker (541) 440-4449 kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

Sheriff's Office Announces Retirement Of Apprehension K9 Eros (Photo) - 09/16/26

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office announces the retirement of K9 Eros, a German Shepard trained in patrol apprehension.

K9 Eros, a 8 ½ -year-old German Shepherd, has been a valued member of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office since November 2021. Eros was purchased by an anonymous community donor and gifted to the Sheriff's Office. The decision for retirement comes following medical advice of his veterinary care team.

Eros will continue to live with his handler where he will be a family dog for the remainder of his life.

Since joining the Sheriff's Office, Eros has been deployed more than 100 times in support of law enforcement operations. Those deployments have resulted in:

22 community demonstrations

11 felony arrests

9 misdemeanor arrests

21 felony case assists

19 misdemeanor case assists

39 total captures

During his tenure, Eros had two handlers; Retired Deputy Oscar Rosas and his current handler, Deputy William Maynes.

"Eros has been the best partner. He has been my best friend and my backup. He's loved his work and serving our great community", Deputy Maynes stated. "It has been my honor to have been his handler and now it's my continued honor to give him a home as a normal dog enjoying his retirement."

"Eros was and still is the best companion a K9 handler can have. He has no fear and unconditional bravery in any situation." Retired Deputy Rosas said. "Thank you for your service, buddy."

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office K9 program has been highly active since 2013. The program would not be possible without the continued support of community members, donors, and organizations such as the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs, and Bailey's Veterinary Clinic who provides medical care for the K9s at no expense.

Douglas County Major Crimes Team Investigates Fatal Stabbing - 09/15/26

MYRTLE CREEK, Ore. - One teen is dead and another critically injured after a disturbance involving a knife in Myrtle Creek Sunday evening.

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, shortly before 10:45 p.m., 911 dispatchers received a report of a disturbance in which two teens were stabbed at a residence in the 100-block of NE Laurel Avenue in Myrtle Creek. As officers with the Myrtle Creek Police Department and deputies from the Sheriff's Office were responding, information was obtained that the individual who stabbed the two teens had fled the scene. 

Fire and EMS personnel responded along with law enforcement. One victim, a 17-year-old male whose identity is currently being withheld, was declared deceased at the scene. The second individual, a 17-year-old teen, was transported with criticial injuries. He was later transported to an out-of-area hospital for higher level of care. 

Detectives later located the 16-year-old individual who had fled the scene and conducted an interview. At this time, no arrests have been made and all names are withheld pending investigation. 

At the request of the Myrtle Creek Police Department, the Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated and is currently leading the investigation, which remains active. There is no on-going threat to the public. 

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Roseburg Police Department and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.

In addition to the Major Crimes Team, assisting agencies included the Myrtle Creek Police Department, Myrtle Creek Fire Department and Umpqua Valley Ambulance. 

The investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are expected to be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 541-440-4458 referencing Case #26-2895.

K9 Zoro Tracks Down Myrtle Creek Burglary Suspect (Photo) - 09/06/26

MYRTLE CREEK, Ore. - On Saturday, September 5, 2026, at approximately 10:40 p.m., deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a reported burglary in progress at a residence located in the 1000-block of North Gazley Road in Myrtle Creek. The caller advised there were two males inside the residence at the location and a female associated with a black 2007 Honda Fit who fled after she was confronted. 

While responding, deputies located the Honda Fit and conducted a traffic stop. Deputies detained the driver, 45-year-old Amber Leigh Cates of Canyonville. She was later taken into custody. 

Upon arrival, deputies contacted the victim who reported that there had been two males were inside the residence. The victim advised that one male had fled on foot while the second was possibly still inside. 

K9 Zoro was deployed inside the residence after numerous announcements were made that the canine would be searching the residence and instructing anyone inside to surrender. There was no response. 

K9 Zoro conducted a search of the residence and did not locate anyone inside. Deputies then began searching the surrounding property for the fleeing suspects. 

K9 Zoro led his handler to a large field and began tracking north. After a short distance, Zoro showed a strong interest in an area of tall grass, indicating the presence of fresh human scent. Zoro continued tracking, eventually turning east. 

After approximately 15 yards, a male later identified as 50-year-old Tommy Coggswell of Canyonville, suddenly stood up from the tall grass with his hands raised. K9 Zoro began barking at Coggswell until deputies took him into custody without further incident. 

Deputies and K9 Zoro continued searching the area for the second male suspect, but he was not located. 

Cates and Coggswell were transported to the Douglas County Jail where they were lodged on the following charges: 

Cates: 

• Conspiracy to Commit a Class C Felony
• Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine

Coggswell: 

• Burglary in the Second Degree

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information should call 541-440-4471 referencing case #26-2801. Additional case updates will be released when they become available. 

​The Sheriff's Office was assisted by Officers from the Myrtle Creek and Cow Creek Tribal Police Departments. 

K9 Zoro, a 8-year-old German Shepherd, has been with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office since September 2019. He was purchased by an anonymous donor in the community and gifted to the agency. The Sheriff's Office K9 program, consisting of three Patrol K9 teams and 1 narcotics K9 team, is supported financially by private donations and the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support local police K9 teams. 

Detectives Arrest Roseburg Man On Multiple Child Sex Abuse Charges - 09/03/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. - A Roseburg man has been arrested and lodged in the Douglas County Jail on multiple sex abuse charges involving a minor. 

On August 26, 2026, Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division received a report of past sex abuse of a minor. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office was notified and launched an investigation. 
 

Through their investigation, detectives developed probable cause for the arrest of 30-year-old Derikk Ross Killcy of Roseburg. During an interview with detectives on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Killcy admitted to sexually abusing a minor child known to him. At the time the crimes were committed, the child was approximately 4-5 years old. 

Killcy was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges: 
 

• First Degree Rape (12 counts)
• First Degree Sodomy (12 counts)
• First Degree Sex Abuse (12 counts)
• First Degree Unlawful Sexual Penetration

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division at 541-440-4458.

Roseburg Man Dies Is Suspected DUII Crash - 09/03/26

CANYONVILLE, Ore. - A Roseburg man died in a single vehicle crash in Canyonville Tuesday evening. 

On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, shortly before 8:00 p.m., 911 dispatchers received a report of a single vehicle crash in the 7000-block of Tiller Trail Highway outside Canyonville. 

Deputies arrived to locate a 1986 Ford F-150 pickup which had left the roadway and struck a tree. Fire and EMS personnel at the scene determined that the sole occupant, 56-year-old Derek Edward Knuuttila of Roseburg, was deceased at the scene. 

Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor in the fatal crash.

The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office was notified along with next of kin. 

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Days Creek Fire, South Umpqua Fire, Riddle Fire Department and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.