© 2024 | Jefferson Public Radio
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6301 | 800.782.6191
Listen | Discover | Engage a service of Southern Oregon University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

UPS Employee Arrested For I-5 Shooting; More Charges Possible

Kenneth Ayers' booking photo.
Kenneth Ayers' booking photo.

A Roseburg man employed by United Parcel Service has been arrested for shooting a female motorist on I-5 Wednesday night.

A Roseburg man employed by UPS has been arrested for shooting a female motorist on I-5 Wednesday night. 

Oregon State Police say 49-year-old Kenneth Ayers may be charged in six other shootings that have happened along the interstate.

Captain Tim Fox says it’s believed that between May 12 and August 19, Ayers shot at vehicles in Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas counties.

Following the last incident, state troopers seized a UPS truck which they believed was involved.

“A search warrant was applied for, granted and served on the truck," Fox told reporters in a conference call. 

"The search of the truck revealed a firearm consistent with the type that had been used in several of these shootings. Mr. Ayers was subsequently arrested and lodged in the Jackson County jail.”

No motive has been established. Charges are pending. The woman shot Wednesday night was treated for her injuries and released.

OSP investigators say anyone with information on this case can contact them.  This includes Ayer’s work travel on Highways 140 and 62.

In a statement emailed to KLCC, UPS says they are “appalled” to hear about the allegations and are fully cooperating with authorities.

"Firearms are prohibited at UPS facilities and in our vehicles, and we are extremely concerned for the other motorists and individuals who have been affected. We’ll defer further comment to the investigating authorities," the email adds.

Copyright 2020, KLCC.

Brian Bull joined the KLCC News Team in June 2016. He is a 20-year reporter who has worked at NPR, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including three Edward R. Murrow Awards and the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award in 2012.