Southern Oregon Sheriff’s Vehicle Strikes Pedestrian, June 8

According to Sergeant Jeff Allison, on June 6, 2015 at about 10:11PM, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 40 when something struck the right side of his patrol car. Thinking that he struck a deer, the Deputy stopped on the east shoulder of the freeway. Once stopped on the shoulder the deputy realized he had struck a person. OSP Troopers responded and assumed the investigation. Preliminary information indicates Eliso L ARIAS, age 35, of Medford, was walking down the center of the interstate between the slow lane and fast lane when he was struck by the patrol vehicle. This section of I-5 is tree-lined and not lit. Further investigation revealed ARIAS had been camping in the area and had been in a disturbance. He left the campsite and began to walk home down the center of the interstate. ARIAS, who was intoxicated, was transported to Providence Medical Center in Medford for serious injuries, none of which were considered life threatening. A portion of Interstate 5 was closed for about one hour during the investigation. OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Rogue River Fire, Mercy Flights and the Oregon Department of Transportation. The investigation is ongoing by OSP and more information will be released when it becomes available.