A late-night confrontation in Medford escalated into gunfire early Sunday, leaving a 16-year-old boy seriously injured and a 21-year-old man behind bars.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting around 2:21 a.m. near the intersection of Crater Lake Avenue and Stevens Street in northeast Medford. When police arrived, they found the teenage victim suffering from a single gunshot wound to the neck. Officers immediately began lifesaving measures at the scene until paramedics from Mercy Flights and personnel from the Medford Fire Department took over medical care.
The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Authorities said he is expected to survive.
Following the shooting, officers secured the surrounding neighborhood and conducted an intensive search. The suspect was located inside the parking structure at Providence Medford Medical Center and taken into custody without incident. Investigators also recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the incident.
Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Phoenix Wood. He was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges of second-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Jail records indicate he is being held without bail.
According to investigators, the suspect and the victim were not acquainted prior to the encounter. Detectives determined that the two became involved in an argument that quickly intensified. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly pulled out a handgun and struck the teen with it. While doing so, the firearm discharged, and the bullet struck the victim in the neck.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting appears to have stemmed from a spontaneous dispute rather than a premeditated act. Detectives continue to review evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze the recovered weapon as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police have not released additional details and say more information will be shared as it becomes available.
