Suspect in Grants Pass murder shot by officers during chase

UPDATE, 4:30 p.m.: Mason has been confirmed dead. 

"During the course of the incident, law enforcement officers from all three agencies discharged their duty weapons. The suspect, identified as Kelly Lynn Mason (48), was pronounced deceased on scene," GPPD said in a release. "At least one law enforcement officer on scene received non-life-threatening injuries during the incident. All involved officers have been placed on traumatic event leave as is standard protocol in Senate Bill 111 deadly force incidents."

UPDATE, 2:31 p.m.: Hattersley confirmed to NewsWatch 12 that an officer was shot and is in "stable condition."

He said Mason is "no longer a threat" to the community, but would not confirm if Mason is dead or alive. 

NewsWatch 12 is on the scene right now. We will update this article as more information comes out. 

UPDATE, 1:57 p.m.: Kelly Lynn Mason was shot after he fired at officers today on Allen Creek Road near Albertson's, GPPD confirmed with NewsWatch 12. 

"He fired at officers and they returned fire," lieutenant Jeff Hattersley said to NewsWatch 12. 

The Grants Pass Police Department posted to Facebook shortly after, urging the public to avoid Highway 199 from Dowell Road to Redwood Avenue. 

"Following a short pursuit, Kelly Lynn Mason fired at officers who returned fire," the post said. "There is no further danger to the public, but the roadway will remain closed until the conclusion of the scene investigation. Please avoid the area."

Police have not confirmed if Mason is dead or alive after being shot. 

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is now the investigating agency on the case, Hattersley told NewsWatch 12.

This is a developing story. NewsWatch 12 will update this article with more information as it comes out. 

GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- After arresting three people connected to a homicide on Nov. 21, the Grants Pass Police Department is searching for the fourth suspect, who remains at large. 

The fourth suspect, Kelly Lynn Mason, is a 48-year-old white man who is about 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds, GPPD said in a news release. He has a bald head, brown eyes and several tattoos. 

"Mason was last seen driving a white Honda Accord 2-door with Oregon license 378PCG," the release said. "To ensure the community's safety, residents are advised to avoid approaching the suspect and immediately contact the Grants Pass Police Department or their local law enforcement agency with information regarding his whereabouts."

Mason and three other people allegedly robbed an apartment in the 1400 block of Rogue River Highway on Nov. 21 at 7:42 p.m., the release said.

One of the victims, Katherine Crago, died after being shot -- the other victim, a man who police did not name, was severely beaten. He was transported to a local hospital, the release said, where he was expected to recover. 

"A multi-agency manhunt in the area caused the closure of Rogue River Highway," the release said. "Over the past three weeks, the Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit has conducted an intensive investigation, including meticulous forensic analysis and community collaboration. The investigation revealed the victims had been specifically targeted for the residential robbery that resulted in murder."

According to the release, police have arrested the other three suspects. They arrested Sasha Marie Moe on Nov. 22, Rick Erin Braton Lester on Dec. 4 and Michael Fay Woodruff on Dec. 11.

All of them are lodged at the Josephine County Jail, the release said, and each of them are facing charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and second-degree assault.