Butte Falls, Ore. — A Butte Falls man is in jail tonight facing multiple charges after deputies said a feud between two brothers got out of hand.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Captain Nathan Sickler said 67-year-old Gary Rodgers was arguing with his brother at their home on Fee Street in Butte Falls. He said when his brother tried to leave he chased his vehicle with a rifle and fired a shot.
As reports of the shooting came in Butte Falls Elementary School was put on lockdown, and nearby residents were evacuated.
One of those residents, Nancy Thompson, is also a family friend. She said she and other neighbors are surprised by Rodger’s actions.
“He is a good person. Gary has never caused any problems with anyone here that I know of,” she said.
Thompson said Rodgers is well known in the community. She said decades ago he was in a bad car accident, and hasn’t been the same since.
“I just think he needs to get help,” she said.
Thompson said Rodger’s mother, and caretaker, recently passed away and his actions could have resulted from the stress of the loss.
Deputies said Rodgers surrendered peacefully after an hour long stand off. He’s facing multiple charges including three counts of reckless endangering, criminal mischief, and unlawful use of a weapon.
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