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The suspects pretended to be law enforcement; two arrested, two still at large
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, at least four gunmen posing as police attempted to rob an old hemp farm around 1:30 a.m. Friday in the 3600 block of Bellinger Lane outside of Medford.
Police said the suspects arrived at the property claiming to be law enforcement officers serving a warrant. Residents of the property confronted the suspects and fired several shots as they fled, according to the sheriff’s office. It is unclear whether the suspects fired any shots.
Deputies saw the suspected getaway driver, Derek Whitfield Gargus, 36, of the 100 block of Huntley Lane, Phoenix, leave the property at high speed. He was taken into custody.
Another suspect, Ryan Mitchell Drennen, 44, was found in a nearby pond where he had apparently fallen running in the dark. He was taken into custody and transported to an area hospital to be treated for hypothermia.
Two other suspects are still at large.
Gargus was arrested for conspiracy to commit first degree larceny, first degree larceny, second degree larceny, reckless driving and driving without a valid license. He is being held in Jackson County Jail on $250,000 bond.
Drennen was arrested for attempted first-degree robbery, trespassing in possession of a firearm, and criminal impersonation of a peace officer. He was released on bail.
Anyone with information about the fate of the two outstanding suspects has been asked to call the emergency dispatch at 541-776-7206. Refer to JCSO File Number 22-0487.
