High-Tech Hunt Nabs Medford Shooting Suspects in Midnight Chase

MEDFORD, Ore. — Responding to reports of shots fired in the 800 block of Archer Dr. on Saturday just before midnight, Medford Police officers quickly deployed technology to follow, find, and arrest the suspects who had sped away from the scene.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots, and officers found bullet impacts on the residence on their arrival, but no injuries were reported.

Using the Medford Police Department (MPD) in-car video and automated license plate reader technology available onboard patrol cars, the vehicle was quickly identified as a silver Chevrolet Impala.

The details were uploaded into the Flock camera technology system linked to 25 cameras throughout Medford, alerting local officers when a flagged vehicle passes.

The Flock system flagged the Impala near N. Foothills Rd. and Hillcrest by matching license plates at about 2:30 a.m. the following day. After officers saturated the area, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) found the car near N. Foothills Rd. and Delta Waters Rd.

Using preemptive spike strips, officers stopped the driver, 24-year-old Cameron J. Tinsen of Medford, and took him into custody without further incident.

In addition, a second vehicle thought to be traveling with the Impala was also stopped by JCSO. The 17-year-old male passenger of the second vehicle tried to walk away but was quickly apprehended. JCSO found a rifle and a handgun in his possession.

Tinsen was lodged at the Jackson County Jail, while the 17-year-old juvenile passenger was lodged at the Juvenile Detention Center.

Both face charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Reckless Endangering, and Attempted Assault in the First Degree. More charges may be added later.

In thanking JCSO for their assistance, MPD also emphasized how shared technology across jurisdictions played a pivotal role in this arrest- as it does in numerous other cases.