JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — A suspect wanted in California for 15 counts of sex abuse died by apparent suicide following a standoff with law enforcement officers on Wednesday, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).
The incident began earlier in the day when JCSO, along with the U.S. Marshals Task Force, attempted a high-risk traffic stop on the suspect. After briefly evading officers, the suspect engaged in a standoff with law enforcement. Authorities say the situation ended when the suspect took their own life. At this time, the name of the individual involved has not been released.
The suspect was wanted in California for multiple serious charges, including 10 counts of lewd acts with a child under the age of 14 and five counts of oral copulation with a child under the age of 14. These charges stem from an ongoing investigation in the state.
Locally, the suspect was also facing charges related to domestic violence, menacing, and unlawful use of a firearm. These charges were filed on March 16, just days before the standoff occurred.
Law enforcement closed off a portion of Table Rock Road between Gibbon Road and Wilson Road during the operation, which lasted several hours. The road was reopened just after 5 p.m.
The investigation into the standoff is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.