Medford, OR – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) announced Tuesday that nine individuals were arrested on charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) over the weekend. The arrests occurred on Sunday and Monday, primarily in the Medford, Central Point, and Talent areas. Seven of the arrests were related to controlled substances, while the remaining two involved alcohol.
During the course of the arrests, deputies discovered several concerning items. These included baggies containing suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, a concealed firearm, and a felon carrying a knife and brass knuckles. However, the JCSO has not released additional details about the ongoing investigations at this time.
The recent arrests come as a reflection of a broader trend in Oregon. According to the JCSO, 2023 marked a significant milestone in the state’s DUII statistics, with drug-related DUIIs surpassing alcohol-related cases for the first time. This shift highlights the increasing prevalence of impaired driving due to substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Authorities have expressed concern over the rise of drug-related DUIIs, as they pose additional risks to public safety. The JCSO’s actions are part of an ongoing effort to curb impaired driving in the region, ensuring that those under the influence of drugs or alcohol are held accountable for their actions on the road.
While the exact details of the ongoing investigations are scarce, the Sheriff’s Office continues to emphasize the importance of impaired driving enforcement, particularly as the landscape of DUII offenses evolves in the state.