April 17, 2020 3:40 a.m.
Covering coastal Douglas County:
The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is investigating a fatal fire which took place in Reedsport.
A release from Oregon State Police said on Sunday Reedsport Fire Department and Reedsport Police responded to a fire in the 800 block of Myrtle Avenue. When officers arrived, they were notified that an individual was still inside the home.
Officers entered the home and found the body of 68-year old Joseph Shoemaker. He was pronounced deceased. The other residents were able to leave the home safely.
Police requested the assistance of the Major Crimes Team in conducting an investigation. OSP was assigned as the lead investigating agency.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call OSP at 800-442-2068 and speak to Detective Brian Jewell.
The Major Crimes Team includes investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, OSP and the Roseburg Police Department working in conjunction with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.