A dispute over a parking space escalated into a reported shooting Tuesday afternoon in Medford, ending with the arrest of a 41-year-old man on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after officers located him a short time later.
According to the Medford Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 4 p.m. on July 21 to the 700 block of Stevens Street after receiving a report of a possible menacing incident involving gunfire outside a local business. The initial caller advised dispatchers that the individuals involved had already left the area before officers arrived.
As officers reached the scene, the alleged victim returned and met with responding officers to provide details about what had occurred. Investigators determined that the incident began as a verbal disagreement between the victim and 41-year-old David Somers over a parking-related issue.
Police said the confrontation escalated when Somers allegedly made a threatening statement before producing a handgun and pointing it at the victim. Investigators allege that Somers then fired multiple rounds before leaving the parking lot in a vehicle. Although several shots were reportedly fired, no injuries were reported, and no one was struck by the gunfire.
Following the incident, the victim attempted to follow the suspect’s vehicle in an effort to keep it in sight but was eventually unable to continue tracking its location. Officers immediately began searching the area while members of the Medford Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division joined the investigation to assist in gathering evidence and identifying the suspect’s whereabouts.
A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle on Campus Drive in Medford. Police contacted Somers and took him into custody without incident. Authorities did not report any additional threats or confrontations during the arrest.
Somers was transported to the Jackson County Jail, where he was lodged on charges of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Pointing of a Firearm, Menacing and Disorderly Conduct.
The Medford Police Department stated that the investigation indicates the confrontation stemmed from “a verbal dispute over parking” before it escalated into an incident involving a firearm. Investigators further allege that Somers “made a threatening statement, produced a handgun, and pointed it at the victim” before “fired multiple rounds and fled the parking lot in a vehicle.”
Authorities have not released additional information regarding what evidence has been recovered, whether the firearm believed to have been used was seized, or whether additional witnesses have been interviewed. Investigators also have not indicated whether surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed as part of the case.
Police emphasized that no members of the public were physically injured during the incident despite multiple rounds reportedly being fired. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including the sequence of events leading up to the alleged shooting, continue to be examined by detectives.
The case remains under active investigation, and additional information may be released as investigators complete their review of the evidence. As with all criminal cases, the charges filed against Somers are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.