On January 1, 2020, at 8:15 p.m., the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an assault with a weapon with shots fired in the 8000 block of Blackwell Road in Central Point.

Update:

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – On Wednesday, January 1st, 2020, about 8:15 pm, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (E.C.S.O.) received a 911 call reporting a possible assault involving a weapon and shots being fired in the 8000 Block of Blackwell Rd. The caller reported the suspect was threatening her boyfriend and then heard gunshots coming from a shop on the property.


Deputies arrived on scene around 8:23 pm, and began efforts to secure the scene. They were able to contact a male individual, who was cooperative, and exited the structure. Deputies learned another male, who was later identified as Teddy James Maverick Varner, DOB 1/23/90, was inside the location, likely armed and hostile.

As they continued to speak with the witness/victim, Varner exited the building with a handgun and approached the deputies in an aggressive manner, pointing the gun at them. One deputy fired his patrol rifle multiple times, striking Varner.

Medical Personnel were requested to the scene at 8:26 pm and transported Varner, who was later pronounced deceased. Next of kin have been notified.

The Major Assault and Death Investigations Unit has assumed the investigation, which is under the direction of the District Attorney’s Office. The lead investigative agency is the Oregon State Police and the investigation is ongoing at this time.

An autopsy was conducted on January 2nd, 2020, by Dr. James Olson and he determined Varner was struck twice by the deputy’s gunfire.

Once the investigation is completed all of the information will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review, which is standard practice for Officer/Deputy Involved Shootings.

The deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol in these incidents. The name of the deputy will not be released at this time, again standard practice.

These incidents are difficult for all involved and we ask for all to be respectful of the decedent, the family, and your law enforcement.

Further inquiries should be made to the District Attorney’s Office.

Original Post:

Upon arrival, deputies were attempting to secure the scene when they were confronted by a man armed with a gun. A deputy discharged his firearm, striking the suspect. The man was transported via ambulance and was later pronounced deceased.

The Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigative Unit (MADIU) responded to the scene; Oregon State Police is the lead agency. Personnel from the following agencies are assisting: Medford Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Ashland Police Department, Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

Investigators have identified the decedent. His name, as well as the names of the involved deputies will not be released at this time. The case remains under investigation and a portion of Blackwell Road near the scene is limited to one lane.

No further information will be provided this evening. We will provide an update as soon as possible.