Local News

A high-speed head-on crash seriously injured two drivers Saturday night on West Griffin Creek Road in rural Medford.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 34-year-old woman for DUII after a trauma blood draw showed a Blood Alcohol Content of .20%, two and a half times the legal limit.

Due to the severity of the crash, the Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team responded. The preliminary investigation indicates on August 29th at 7:41 p.m., the suspect was driving a 2025 Toyota RAV4 at a high rate of speed when she crossed into the oncoming lane for unknown reasons and struck a 2009 Toyota Highlander head-on.

Both drivers sustained serious injuries and were trapped inside their vehicles. Medford Fire extricated both patients and Mercy Flights transported them to a local hospital.

To address DUII crashes and other risks of impaired driving, JCSO will join local, state, and regional law enforcement agencies for a Multi-Agency High-Visibility DUII Enforcement Patrol throughout Labor Day Weekend. Additional deputies and officers will be on the road specifically looking for impaired drivers and working to keep our roads safe.

Plan ahead for a safe Labor Day weekend:
- Designate a sober driver or use a rideshare or taxi.
- If you plan to drink, give your keys to someone sober.
- If you’re hosting, make sure your guests have a safe and sober way home.
- If you see a suspected impaired driver on the road, call 911.