On January 23, 2013 at approximately 5:00 p.m., OSP troopers responded to a report that an adult male shot and wounded another adult male while they were inside a four-plex apartment at 111 Peach Street in Merlin. The wounded male, whose name is not available, was taken to Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass where he was treated and released for a hand wound.
When troopers arrived at the apartment, the suspect involved in the shooting remained in the apartment and refused to comply as OSP spoke with him on the phone. Because the man was armed with a firearm and reportedly may have other weapons with him, OSP SWAT personnel were dispatched to assist as the standoff continued and troopers worked toward his surrender.
On January 24 at approximately 12:30 a.m., STEPHEN LESTER POWERS, age 68, surrendered to OSP troopers and was taken into custody. He was lodged in the Josephine County Jail on the following charges:
* Assault in the Second Degree
* Felon in Possession of a Weapon
* Negligently Wounding Another
* Pointing Firearm at Another
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person
* Menacing
* Unlawful Use/Carrying a Dangerous Weapon
After his arrest, OSP obtained a search warrant for the apartment. While searching for evidence, troopers found a possible explosive device. OSP Hazardous Device Technicians responded and determined the object in its present condition was not explosive. A firearm was recovered in connection with the incident.
The investigation is continuing and no other information available for release at this time.