Crime, Law & Justice

Oregon State Police want leads on Cottage Grove man's fatal shooting

KLCC | By Brian Bull
Published December 6, 2021 at 4:03 PM PST
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Andrea Ferrario

Police are seeking tips in the shooting death of a Cottage Grove man last Tuesday.

72 year-old Larry Eugene Mell was driving on Highway 38 west of Drain when he was shot.

Oregon State Troopers and Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a medical assistance call for Mell. He was taken first to Mercy Hospital in Roseburg, then to Riverbend Hospital in Springfield.

Authorities believe Mell was hit between Putnam Valley Road and Roaring Camp Lane.

On December 1st, Mell was reported dead from the injury.

Investigators believe Mell’s red, 2003 Ram 2500 pickup was shot between Putnam Valley Road and Roaring Camp Lane on Highway 38. There’s no ongoing threat to the community.

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is assisting the investigation. People who were in the area on November 30th or who have information can call the Oregon State Police at 1-800-442-2068.

Please reference OSP Case #SP21-335049.

Copyright @2021, KLCC.

Crime, Law & Justice
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Brian Bull
Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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