Oregon state police have arrested a UPS driver who is accused of firing several shots at cars along Interstate 5 of his workload several times.
Sheriff’s Office of Jackson County
Kenneth Ayers, 49, of Roseburg, Oregon, was arrested Thursday at 11 a.m. after allegedly shooting at least seven cars and injuring one person along I-5 in the southern part of the state in the past three months. He was placed in Jackson County Jail on charges of attempted murder, assault, unlawful use of a weapon, criminal offenses and unlawful intimidation of another person.
“Oregon State Troopers have been investigating these shootings since May 12, and have recently received information and believe a UPS truck could be involved,” Oregon State Police Captain Tim Fox said in a statement. Newsweek. “Immediately after the Aug. 19 shooting, troopers were able to pick up a UPS tractor unit about 1 hour and 60 miles north of the shooting incident.”
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“Following the investigation, the truck was seized – UPS arranged for another truck to pick up the trailers – and a search warrant was requested and served,” Fox added. “By searching the truck, a firearm was discovered that is consistent with the type used.”
Apparently, the shooting began shortly after Ayers’ route was changed to cover areas to the south of the state, while its previous route covered areas north of Roseburg. He is suspected of shooting in Jackson, Josephine and Douglas counties.
“Last May, Mr. Ayers’ route was north of Roseburg and in early May, his route took him south of Roseburg,” Fox said. “Ayers Route also took him on Hwy 140 and Hwy 62.”
Ayers fired his weapon, possibly a .45-caliber handgun, from the cab of his UPS truck while actively driving on the highway, according to KDRV. Police are also investigating whether he was involved in an additional shooting that took place off I-5.
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Stephanie Keith / Getty
Police have not yet determined a possible motive for the series of shootings. The first related injury occurred on Wednesday, when a woman was shot on the main road and treated at a local hospital before being released.
“We are delighted to hear about these allegations and to cooperate fully with the responding authorities,” UPS said in a statement. “Firearms are prohibited at UPS facilities and in our cars, and we are extremely concerned about the other motorists and individuals. We will issue a further comment to the investigating authorities.”
Authorities are investigating the known shootings and have asked members of the public to report any additional shootings that may be related. Ayers remains in prison, with his bail set at $ 1 million.
Update 8/21, 11:17 AM: This article has been updated to include a statement sent to Newsweek by Oregon State Police.
