Medford Pedestrian Hit-And-Run Teen Driver Arrested
MEDFORD, Ore. — A teen driver has been arrested after an accident in downtown Medford on Wednesday in which a pedestrian was injured.
Hit-And-Run In Medford Pedestrian Collision
Riverside Avenue, Medford, reopened after a vehicle driven by a teenager, 18-year-old Shane Gavazza of Medford, stuck a 31-year-old male pedestrian before fleeing the scene.
The Medford Police Department (MPD) responded to the incident near the intersection of Riverside Avenue and 9th Street. MPD confirmed that the pedestrian involved in the incident was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries but was described as not life-threatening.
A vehicle struck the pedestrian while crossing the road in a marked crosswalk with activated warning lights. Witnesses said the driver of the car stopped briefly before fleeing the scene.
The MPD activated the Serious Traffic Accident Response Team (STAR) to investigate. Investigating officers collected witness statements and video surveillance.
Investigators noted that multiple vehicles had stopped to yield before the suspect vehicle failed to do so and determined that the pedestrian had been crossing lawfully. Based on the evidence, police quickly issued an alert for the suspect vehicle, which was identified as a silver Nissan Xterra with specific Oregon license plates.
A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle in White City about three hours after the incident.
Gavazza was arrested and lodged in the Jackson County Jail. The investigators said that there was no evidence of impairment, and Gavazza faces charges of Felony Hit-and-Run and Assault in the Third Degree.
The MPD highlighted the importance of obeying traffic laws designed to protect pedestrians. The investigation is ongoing, and police have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially near pedestrian crossings.