Rogue Valley News, Thursday, Sept. 12th – Bank Robbery Attempt Thwarted by Police

The latest News from around the Rogue Valley, from RogueValleyMagazine.com

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Rogue Valley Weather

Today
Sunny, with a high near 91. Light north wind. Tonight clear and low around 58.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 87.

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 87.

Sunday
A 50 percent chance of showers, high near 76.

TODAY’s HEADLINES…

Yesterday, just after 10:00 a.m., a robbery was reported at the Banner Bank, 1455 E. McAndrews Road. The investigation revealed the suspect presented a note to the teller demanding cash.

However, when the teller questioned the note, the male grabbed it and fled, without getting any money. A witness later came forward and advised they saw the suspect run from the scene and jump into a dark colored Chrysler 300, parked near Corona Avenue.

Shortly thereafter, the US Bank at 1242 Court Street reported the male had been in their bank that same morning, acting suspicious. The male was reportedly loitering in the lobby, before leaving on his own without approaching a teller. Detectives were able to locate surveillance video in the area, which captured the suspect’s vehicle and license plate.

At 1:26 p.m., the suspect vehicle, a black 2007 Chrysler 300, was located in the 4500 block of S. Pacific Hwy, Phoenix. The male associated with the vehicle, David Lee Martin, 30 years old, was determined to be the get-a-way driver and was arrested. Detectives were able to identify the suspect as Charles Frasier-Lindsey, 18 years old. At about 4:40 p.m. yesterday, he was located at his residence in the 5600 block of Gebhard Road, Central Point, and arrested without incident.

The investigation was not able to confirm that a weapon, or a threat of a weapon, was involved in this case. Therefore, robbery charges could not apply. Both suspects were charged with two counts of Attempted Theft 1st Degree, bail $10,000 each.

Fatal Truck Crash This Morning

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into this morning’s fatal truck crash on Interstate 5 near Rogue River. 

At about 3:39 AM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a fatal truck crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 45. Preliminary investigation indicates that an International Box Truck hauling electronics, operated by Pavlo HRYZHUK, age 21, from Citrus Heights, CA, was traveling southbound on Interstate 5. 

For unknown reasons the truck drifted to the right and collided with a large section of guardrail before traveling off a bridge and coming to rest on the roadway below.  The truck came to rest on Twin Bridges Road, which is the access to Valley of the Rogue State Park. 

HRYZHUK was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders.  Investigators are looking at the possibility of fatigue contributing to the crash.

Interstate 5 traffic was not affected during the crash.  The northbound exit to Valley of the Rogue State Park is currently closed while the truck is being recovered. 

Today, Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River) released the following statement after the federal government added Josephine County to the list of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA): “Illegal drug trafficking is a serious issue in Josephine County,” said Walden. “This program has already produced successful results in southern, central, and eastern Oregon. 

The fact that Josephine County is now a HIDTA-listed county gives me hope that we will see greater success in combating the foreign cartels  and the drug trafficking throughout our state. I applaud the Administration for their steadfast efforts to both curb drug trafficking and support the men and women on the ground who are tirelessly working to stop the flow of illegal drugs.”

The Trump Administration and Congress have worked to increase funding to combat the opioid epidemic, the spread of illicit fentanyl, and the continuing issues with methamphetamine. The HIDTA designation for Josephine County will make additional funds available for federal and local law enforcement to collaborate on reducing the trafficking of illegal drugs.

The “Rabbit Ears to Beers” event, named for the rocky outcropping that is the start of one of the group rides, combines the best single track gravity trails in Southern Oregon.

Over 13 miles of fun and flowy trails drop 4,500 feet over 13 miles. Shuttles leave from Caldera Brewing Company on Clover Lane in Ashland where bikers will later reunite for an exclusive party hosted inside of the brewing facility behind the restaurant. Excellent beer and food from Caldera, giveaways, and an auction filled with great items like REI gear and Yakima bike racks put the finishing touches on this fun charity event.

Beneficiaries include The Asante Foundation and Mt. Ashland through a partnership with Oregon Adaptive Sports. Mt. Ashland, who has started an adaptive ski program with help from Oregon Adaptive Sports, will be there in support of the event.

The event will be held this Saturday, September 14th. Registration can be made online at https://www.bikereg.com/rabbit-ears-to-beers Registration gets you a shuttle ride to Mt. Ashland where coaches will lead group rides on several different trails. Three different shuttle times are available for booking. Coaches provide navigation and trailside support for riders, but those familiar with the trails are free to venture off on their own. Riders must arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and loading. Shuttles leave promptly at 1:30, 2:00, and 3:00. The brewery event begins at 5:30 with buffet dinner starting at 6:30.

Registration for any of the rides includes the buffet, two drinks, a raffle ticket, brewery tour, and access to a silent auction.  Non-bikers are encouraged to attend the dinner event to support the cause and “Dinner only” registration is available for just $25.

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