Medford cops busy on Halloween

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November 02, 2009

By Damian Mann

Mail Tribune

Halloween night turned scary for Medford police overrun with calls that included a shooting at a 7-Eleven store, an attempt to strike an officer that led to a chase and a couple of arrests for driving under the influence.

"(Saturday night) was full throttle," Medford Police Sgt. Mark Boone said. "I didn't have enough cops in Medford."

Police arrested Marlon Burrell Slaffey, 31, of the 1100 block of Leland Street, Medford, on charges of firing a weapon at the 7-Eleven at Crater Lake Avenue near McAndrews Road at about 1 a.m. He also was charged with endangerment and disorderly conduct and is being held in the Jackson County Jail on $12,000 bail.

Another arrest should be made soon in the case, Boone said.

When police pulled a vehicle over about 3 a.m., Saffley said one of the two occupants tried to strike the officer, then sped off.

The car was found later, abandoned near Hillcrest Road.

Boone said the items found in the car indicated the suspects might have been involved in burglaries or car break-ins.

He said the case is still ongoing and no arrests have been made.

Police had other calls Halloween night, including stopping a car that turned out to be stolen.

In Ashland, there were no incidents of note during the Halloween parade and nighttime festivities around the Plaza.

"There were no stabbings or shootings," Ashland Police Sgt. Bob Smith said.

He said there were alcohol-related problems such as a man standing in the middle of the street stopping traffic. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Smith said the number of arrests hasn't been compiled yet by Ashland police.

Because of the large number of revelers who turn out Halloween night in Ashland, police there were assisted by officers from other local cities, including Medford.

The Oregon State Police arrested twice as many drunk drivers statewide this year compared to last year, up from 15 to 31.

Central Point and Salem tied at having the fourth highest number of impaired drivers in the state on Halloween night, netting three arrests in each community.

Springfield had the most arrests in the state at 10, followed by Portland at six and the Dalles at four.

Despite the high number of arrests, no fatal accidents occurred, according to the OSP.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com.

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