December 6, 2021 2:00 p.m. 

Oregon State Police detectives are seeking public assistance after a shooting death on Highway 38, west of Drain.

A release said on Tuesday November 30th at approximately 1:30 p.m. OSP troopers and deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical assistance call on Interstate 5, about a mile south of the Scotts Valley, Elkhead exit. Officers learned a man had been struck by a bullet while driving on Highway 38.

The victim, 72-year old Larry Mell of Cottage Grove, was transported to CHI Mercy Medical Center and then taken by air ambulance to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend in Springfield. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 1st, investigators learned that Mell did not survive his injury. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated to assist in the investigation.

The release said the area between Putnam Valley Road and Roaring Camp Lane on Highway 38 is where investigators believe the victim’s red 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 4-door pickup with a black ladder rack, was struck by gunfire. Detectives don’t believe there is an ongoing threat to the community. OSP said they are looking for any additional witnesses or information that can help with the investigation.

Anyone who was recreating in that area on November 30th or has specific information that might be helpful is asked to call OSP at 800-442-2068.