On May 29, 2015 at approximately 10:27 p.m., two Oregon State Police Troopers responded to a 911 call at 108 Fir Canyon Road in rural Josephine County near Wilderville on the report of a domestic disturbance. Initial information is that Kelsie BOX, age 23, called 911 to report her father, Robert BOX, age 55, was physically assaultive and causing her injury. Oregon State Police Trooper Heather West and Trooper Gregor Smyth responded to the address. When the Troopers arrived at the location they made contact with Robert BOX in the driveway. Robert BOX was armed with a handgun. Shortly after making contact, the Troopers reported via radio to dispatch that shots had been fired and the subject was down. A handgun was recovered during the investigation. The Troopers provided emergency medical care to Robert BOX on scene. Robert BOX was then transported to Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass for emergency medical treatment. Robert BOX was pronounced deceased a short time after arrival. Troopers West and Smyth were not injured. As is standard protocol in officer-involved shooting investigations, they were placed on paid administrative leave pending the ongoing investigation and review by the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. West, age 41, joined OSP in 2007 and is currently assigned in the Patrol Services Division at the Grants Pass Worksite. Smyth, age 46, also joined OSP in 2007 and currently assigned in the Patrol Services Division at the Central Point Area Command. Pursuant to Senate Bill 111 – Use of Deadly Force investigations – a multi-agency investigation coordinated by the Josephine County District Attorney is ongoing. This includes agencies from the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, the OSP Criminal Investigations Division and the OSP Forensic Services Division.
