March 31, 2026 2:00 p.m. 

A Myrtle Creek man who was allegedly caught on home surveillance committing a package theft was arrested at his home on Monday evening.

A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office report said on Monday, a homeowner in the 100 block of Othello Avenue in the Green District reported the theft of a package from his front porch. Undersheriff Brad O’Dell said the victim’s home surveillance system, which had recently been installed, captured the incident. O’Dell said while conducting follow-up on the video surveillance and other evidence obtained, deputies were able to identify the suspect and determine his home address.

When deputies arrived at the suspect’s home, they located the stolen item. Ultimately, 45-year-old James Eli Ferch was taken into custody and charged with theft in the second-degree and a parole violation. Ferch was detained without bail. O’Dell said the stolen item was returned to the victim.