November 13, 2025 2:45 p.m.
Roseburg Police have provided an update on a stabbing investigation, from an incident that took place Tuesday night.
Public Information Officer Sergeant Daniel Allen said at approximately 8:30 p.m. RPD along with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to an area referred to as “The Point”, in the 200 block of Southeast Pine Street regarding a reported stabbing. Allen said when officers arrived, they found 31-year-old Jesse Otha Thomas lying on the bike path with multiple stab wounds. Thomas was transported to CHI Mercy Medical Center by ambulance. He had non-life-threatening injuries and was later released.
Allen said the suspect in the case, 45-year-old Joshua Daniel Saunders, fled the scene but was located along the South Umpqua riverbank with the use of a FLIR thermal imaging device. After a multi-hour standoff, Saunders was tased and taken into custody without further incident. Saunders was charged with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and for a warrant. After arraignment, he was detained on $80,000 bail.
Allen said no further details are being released at this time.