Driver Crashes Minivan, Fights with Deputies

Jackson Co. Sheriff's Office - 10/22/18 

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Deputies arrested a Prospect man who crashed his vehicle Saturday afternoon, and then retrieved a stolen handgun and fought with deputies.  Jacob Benjamin Hefner, 35, a convicted felon, is lodged in the Jackson County jail on numerous charges stemming from the incident.
“This case just goes to show that there are no ‘routine’ calls in law enforcement,” said Jackson County Sheriff Nathan Sickler.  “The deputies handled this stressful situation with courage and prevented anyone from being injured.”

On Saturday, October 20, 2018, at 4:36 p.m., Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies were dispatched to a rollover vehicle crash in the 9600-block of Blackwell Road.  A blue Kia Sedona minivan drove off the roadway and into a ditch before crashing through a fence and into a residential property.

Another witness reported to dispatch that the operator of the minivan was driving recklessly just prior to the crash. 

Fire District 3 medics arrived on scene first.  A JCSO deputy arrived minutes later and spoke with the driver, identified as Hefner.  Hefner ducked into his vehicle and retrieved a handgun.  He initially refused the deputy’s commands to drop the weapon, but then agreed to place the gun on the ground. 

When the second deputy arrived on scene, Hefner fought deputies’ attempt to place him in handcuffs.  After a brief struggle, deputies were able to take Hefner into custody.
Deputies learned the handgun, a revolver, was reported stolen to Medford Police in September.  Hefner was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. 

Hefner was assessed for injuries at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center and then lodged in jail on the following charges:  felon in possession of a firearm; resisting arrest; unlawful possession of methamphetamine; driving while suspended/revoked; reckless driving.  Bail at lodging was $45,000. 

Hefner is also held on a no-bail detention warrant for a probation violation.  The case has been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney for prosecution.  
Case #18-22267
Hefner booking photo 10/20/18

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