September 18, 2022 1:30 p.m. 

A Roseburg man was jailed following a stand off on the Stewart Parkway Bridge Saturday night.

Sergeant Daniel Allen of the Roseburg Police said at about 9:00 p.m. officers attempted to stop a sedan that was being operated by 40-year old Jeff Reece, after observing him commit several traffic violations and almost strike two pedestrians as he sped through a stop sign. Allen said Reece failed to stop for officers and a vehicle pursuit was initiated, but due to the man’s speeds through a neighborhood, the pursuit was terminated. A short time later, Reece was located stopped in his vehicle in the middle of the Stewart Parkway Bridge.

Allen said officers had prior information that the man was in possession of multiple firearms. Reece refused to exit his sedan and made threats to shoot himself. Members of the RPD Emergency Response Team, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team and a S.W.A.T. member with the Oregon State Police responded, along with the RPD Hostage Negotiation Team.

Allen said after about an hour of negotiation, a less-lethal impact weapon was deployed. DCSO K9 Eros was used to take Reece into custody. Officers allegedly located a 9mm handgun concealed in Reece’s pocket. A search warrant was later served on Reece’s vehicle and an additional rifle was reportedly recovered.

Reece was evaluated on scene by medics and then was transported to the Douglas County Jail. He was charged with two counts each of being a felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful possession/concealment of firearms, along with attempt to elude police in a vehicle, recklessly endangering another and for reckless driving. Reece was detained without bail.

Allen said the Stewart Parkway Bridge was closed for about two hours. Several citizens who had initially been evacuated from their vehicles were allowed to return. One lane of the bridge was re-opened to allow traffic to flow until officers were able to clear the scene. The bridge was fully opened about four hours after the incident began.

A number of agencies assisted RPD with the situation.