The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect accused of hitting an officer while fleeing. JCSO reports that deputies arrested a fugitive on June 7 around 3:15 p.m. at the OK Market in Medford.
34-year-old Joshua Edward McLaughlin was wanted on eight warrants, including First-Degree Burglary, and multiple counts of Felony Elude. McLaughlin has been booked into the Jackson County Jail.
Around 4:30 a.m. on Friday, McLaughlin reportedly eluded law enforcement by crashing into a Central Point Police Department patrol car. JCSO says this caused an officer to be struck with his side view mirror.
The officer is expected to make a full recovery. CPPD has probable cause to add charges of Felony Hit and Run, Elude, Reckless Driving, and more. Later on Friday, JCSO undercover detectives tracked the suspect to the OK Market in Medford.
When detectives confronted McLaughlin, he allegedly attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended. JCSO says McLaughlin resisted arrest but was eventually placed in cuffs.
Jay Skelton is an independent crime journalist with a passion for covering the uncovered and the under covered.