Jackson County Deputies Track Down and Arrest Suspect with Multiple Warrants Who Hit a Patrol Car

6/10/2024

Medford, OR. – Official Release: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies arrested a wanted fugitive yesterday around 3:15 p.m at the OK Market in Medford. The suspect, Joshua Edward McLaughlin, 34, of Butte Falls, was wanted on eight warrants, including first-degree burglary, and multiple counts of felony elude. He is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

Earlier yesterday around 4:30 a.m., McLaughlin eluded law enforcement by intentionally crashing into a Central Point Police Department (CPPD) patrol car. While ramming the police car he also struck a CPPD officer with his side view mirror.

The officer is ok, and expected to make a full recovery. CPPD has probable cause to add charges of elude, felony hit and run, reckless driving, three counts of reckless endangering, second-degree criminal mischief, interfering, third-degree assault, attempted third-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and assault on a Peace Officer.

Later that day, JCSO undercover detectives tracked down and tailed the suspect to the OK Market on N. Riverside Avenue in Medford. JCSO Patrol deputies followed McLaughlin into the market and advised he was under arrest. McLaughlin attempted to flee out of the back of the store on foot but was quickly outperformed. McLaughlin resisted arrest but was eventually placed in handcuffs and lodged in the Jail on the eight warrants. McLaughlin is facing new charges from the JCSO arrest.

This case is open and ongoing with deputies and officers continuing their investigation. There is no further information available for release.