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M/CLEAR Temp: 45 °F Wind: WSW at 3 mph Monday, April 14, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend January 7, 2003 Pair kidnap, rob casino winnerof $5,000 By MARK FREEMAN Mail Tribune Two men kidnapped and robbed a California man at gunpoint Sunday along Interstate 5 and stole more than $5,000 the man had won from Seven Feathers casino in Canyonville, where police believe the robbers likely picked out their victim. After first crashing into Jesse Franklin Emery’s car on I-5 south of Canyonville, one of the robbers forced Emery at gunpoint to drive him down the interstate to a secluded location where the 28-year-old Emery was robbed and pistol-whipped, according to the Oregon State Police. Police believe the robbers targeted Emery, of Turlock, Calif., while inside the casino, where Emery said he won several large slot machine jackpots, said OSP Trooper Pam Gaither, who is investigating the case. "It’s not like (the robbers) would have picked this guy out anywhere else," said Gaither, who added that police likely will check Seven Feathers surveillance tapes to look for the suspects. Emery could not be reached for comment Monday. Officials from the casino, as well as the Cow Creek tribe that operates Seven Feathers, did not return telephone calls Monday seeking comment. Emery told state police that he had won a $2,500 jackpot and several others of more than $1,000 while playing $5 slot machines before leaving Seven Feathers late Sunday evening. While driving his 1988 Nissan Sentra south on Interstate 5 somewhere near the Douglas/Josephine county line, his car was rear-ended by a white Honda with two men in it, police said. Emery told police he then took an exit to flee from the Honda, which doubled back and drove down the off-ramp and blocked his car, police said. A man jumped out of the Honda, pointed a semi- automatic pistol at Emery and forced Emery to drive him in the Nissan south on I-5 right behind the Honda. The two cars then drove to a remote location near a farmhouse, where the gunman forced Emery to kneel next to his car while the two robbers rifled through the vehicle, police said. The robbers took only the money in Emery’s wallet, then used their fists, feet and the gun to beat Emery in his face and ribs, Gaither said. After the robbers sped away, Emery waited about 30 minutes before reporting the crime to police. Emery suffered wounds to his cheeks and above his right eye, but he was not hurt seriously, Gaither said. No suspects nor a suspect vehicle were found Monday, and police had no reason Monday to disbelieve Emery’s account, Gaither said. The gunman was described as a white male 25 to 30 years old who stands about 6 feet tall and weighs 250 pounds, with a round face and a double chin. He had dark blond or brown hair, light brown or hazel eyes and was clean-shaven. The driver of the Honda was described only as a Hispanic male with short, dark hair. Reach reporter Mark Freeman at 776-4470, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S