semperverus

Medford, Oregon– On December 11, 2024, the Medford Police Department responded to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision near the intersection of Riverside Avenue and 9th Street in downtown Medford. The incident occurred as a pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk with activated warning lights when they were struck by a vehicle.

Witnesses reported that the driver of the vehicle stopped briefly but then fled the scene. The pedestrian, a 31-year-old male, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. His injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.

The Serious Traffic Accident Response Team (STAR) was activated to investigate. Officers collected video surveillance and witness statements, allowing them to quickly issue an alert for the suspect vehicle. Authorities identified the vehicle as a silver Nissan Xterra with specific Oregon license plates.

Approximately three hours after the collision, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle in White City. Investigators determined that the pedestrian had been crossing lawfully, and multiple vehicles had stopped to yield before the suspect vehicle failed to do so.

The driver, identified as 18-year-old Shane Gavazza of Medford, was arrested and lodged in the Jackson County Jail. He faces charges of Felony Hit-and-Run and Assault in the Third Degree. Investigators noted that there was no evidence of impairment.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially near pedestrian crossings. The Medford Police Department has emphasized the importance of obeying traffic laws designed to protect pedestrians.

Further updates on the pedestrian’s recovery and any court proceedings will be provided as they become available.

Downtown Medford, Oregon- Medford is entering a new chapter in downtown navigation as Phase 1 of the Downtown Wayfinding Project approaches completion. This initiative, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought an updated signage system to the area, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors.

The project began in December 2020 with an advisory committee tasked with developing a cohesive Wayfinding Plan. In Spring 2021, the City of Medford enlisted the services of MERJE, a nationally recognized design firm, to design and standardize the signage system. After receiving approval from the City Council in March 2022, the project secured funding through the Planning Department and the City Council’s Community Initiative Fund (CCIF).

Now in its final stages, Phase 1 includes the installation of 17 strategically placed signs throughout downtown. These include:

• Four parking signs

• Two destination signs

• A walk-up double-sided kiosk located at Vogel Plaza (featuring English and Spanish information)

• Kiosk wall panels in the Middleford Alley Garage

• Nine pedestrian directional signs

The signs are intended to improve navigation and foster a more welcoming downtown experience. Installation has been spearheaded by Gage It Construction, with technical planning support from Sea Reach.

The first set of signs was installed in early December, with the remainder expected to be completed by the end of the month. Once fully operational, the system will provide an intuitive navigation experience for pedestrians and drivers alike, with features that aim to make downtown Medford more accessible and inclusive.

As the project nears its conclusion, city officials are optimistic about its impact. The new wayfinding system is expected to serve as a model for other urban initiatives, offering an improved and seamless experience for everyone exploring Medford’s downtown area.

South Riverside Avenue’s far-right lane at 9th Street has been closed following a serious motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. The closure is in effect as emergency crews respond to the scene and conduct an investigation.

Local authorities have urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes to reduce congestion and allow emergency personnel to work efficiently.

No further details about the accident or the condition of the pedestrian have been released at this time. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

Drivers are reminded to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations to ensure safety.

Medford Alert is working to gather additional information at this time.

Update, authorities say all lanes are now open.

At approximately 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday, reports of smoke on the second floor of the Rogue Community College (RCC) Higher Education Center (HEC) at 101 S. Barnett Street prompted an evacuation of the building.

Medford Fire Department personnel arrived on the scene to investigate. Officials determined there was no active fire or structural damage. The source of the smoke was quickly identified and confirmed to pose no ongoing hazard.

Students and staff, who had been evacuated as a precaution, were cleared to safely reenter the building shortly after 4:30 p.m. No injuries were reported during the incident.

RCC released the following statement on the incident:

Employee and student safety is our highest priority, which is why we take incidents like this one seriously. We are grateful for the swift and thorough response from Medford Fire.

RCC has not disclosed the specific cause of the smoke but confirmed the situation was resolved without further disruption. Regular operations resumed immediately following the all-clear.

RVEM: City of Medford and community partners are opening up a Warming shelter today, December 10th from 5:30PM to 8:30AM at 332 West 6th Street.

(Originally posted by /u/Suitable_South_144)