On Thursday March 29, 2018 at 1:13 P.M., Medford Police Officers responded to a report of a menacing with a firearm at the listed residence. The complainant reported being menaced by the suspect, later identified as William Shelton Jr., with a firearm at the residence. The complainant reported there were multiple children at the residence.
Multiple officers responded and began attempts to contact the suspect who was hostile and non-compliant. Contact was made with the suspect and an attempt to negotiate with Shelton Jr. began. Several Medford Police Officers, Detectives, SWAT members, and hostage negotiators were on scene.
Officers reported the first shot fired from the suspect at 2:09 P.M. The suspect then exited the residence at 2:09 P.M. armed with a rifle. The suspect fired additional shots. A Medford Police Officer fired at Shelton. The suspect was hit in the upper chest area. He was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect is being held overnight at the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The children in the residence as well as the officers on scene were uninjured.
The District Attorney has been notified and responded to the scene. The case will be investigated by the Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit. The Oregon State Police will lead the investigation.
As per usual officer involved shooting investigations, the Officer will be placed on administrative leave while the case is reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office which will be followed by an administrative review.
Anyone having information on this case should contact the Oregon State Police at 541-664-8767. Future updates on this case will only be released by the Oregon State Police or Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.