January 2, 2026 7:10 p.m.  

A 16-year-old male has been charged following a fatal stabbing near downtown Roseburg on Friday morning.

A Roseburg Police report said at approximately 8:30 a.m. RPD along with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded after a stabbing was called in, in the 200 block of Southeast Pine Street, in an area commonly referred to as “The Point”. The location currently serves as a homeless camping area.

Public Information Officer Sergeant Daniel Allen said when officers arrived, they found 60-year-old James Wade Gage lying off the bike path with a single stab wound. Sergeant Allen said officers and medics attempted life saving measures, but Gage was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Sergeant Allen said the suspect fled the area and was located after he jumped into the South Umpqua River. After a short standoff, the juvenile was taken into custody without further incident. He was lodged at the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center and charged with criminally negligent homicide, menacing, third-degree escape and unlawful use of a weapon.

In addition to DCSO, RPD was assisted by the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon State Police, the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team, Roseburg Fire Department and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.

Sergeant Allen said no further details are being released at this time.