Airport Hts., CCSO release – April 20th, 2019 local law enforcement received information from neighboring Curry County that Curry County resident Joel C. Jones III 31 YOA, was wanted on several outstanding Parole Violation warrants and was attempting obtain a firearm. Curry County further advised Mr. Jones was extremely violent and would actively resist any Law Enforcement attempt to take him into custody. Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office and other agencies have followed tips over the past several months and checked locations where it was reported Mr. Jones was hiding, without success. On October 15th, 2019 at about 3:30 p.m. Parole and Probation Officer observed Mr. Jones outside of their North Bend Office located near the intersection of Maple Leaf Street and Oak Street inside the City limits of North Bend. The Officer attempted to place Mr. Jones under arrest and a physical fight ensued. Mr. Jones was able to fight his way free of the probation officer and fled on foot into the residential area known as, “Airport Heights. A perimeter was set up spanning several blocks from Maple Leaf Street to Virginia Ave, and Sheriff’s Office K-9 Odin was called to track Mr. Jones. K-9 Odin and his handler arrived on scene and tracked for approximately 2 hours. During this time K-9 Odin located Mr. Jones’ underwear and narrowed down the search area substantially. It was evident Mr. Jones continued to move from location to location to evade capture. During this time the Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of air assets from the United States Coast Guard. Near the end of the track, police agencies were advised Mr. Jones was hiding in a garage on Oak St. Mr. Jones subsequently fled from the garage and continued to run through numerous privately owned properties as he actively fled from the police. During this time, police received several 911 calls stating they observed the suspect, one individual actually stated the suspect now no longer was wearing a shirt. K-9 Odin continued to diligently work the area and eventually located Mr. Jones hiding in a hole on the side of a sand hill with a plywood board over the top of him, as to not be seen by the Coast Guard helicopter. Upon contact, Mr. Jones stuck K-9 Odin several times in the head with a closed fist and was able to break free from Odin. Mr. Jones continued to flee down the steep sand embankment where he was encountered by a State Trooper and physically fought with the State Trooper. Eventually, due to the actions of K-9 Odin and this State Trooper, Mr. Jones was taken into custody at this location without further incident or threat to the public. Mr. Jones was transported to the Coos County Jail on several outstanding warrants for his arrest. Mr. Jones will be charged additionally with Burglary II, Interfere With a Public Safety Animal, Resisting Arrest, Escape II, Escape III, and several counts of Criminal Trespass stemming from this incident. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Citizens of North Bend who assisted us, The Oregon State Police, Confederated Tribal Police Department, Parole and Probation, The North Bend Police Department and The United States Coast Guard for their assistance in brining Mr. Jones to justice. This capture marks Odin’s 90th capture! The Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind the public of their 2nd annual K-9 Fundraiser being held at the Egyptian Theater on Nov 16 beginning at 5pm with all proceeds going to towards, operation, and upkeep of these elite K-9 Deputies who serve in our community.
