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Results of investigation into crash sent to county By JILL BRISKEY The results of an investigation into a single-motorcycle accident involving an off-duty Medford police detective - which include a blood-alcohol-level test - have been forwarded to Josephine County. However, officials are not releasing any additional information, including whether or when charges might be filed. Ray Leach, 52, was driving east on Riverside Avenue at 9:50 p.m. June 21 when his motorcycle struck the edge of a cement island near the Rogue Valley Mall. Leach's 1998 Harley-Davidson motorcycle flipped several times and landed on him, police reported. Leach was traveling with several other motorcyclists. Leach was wearing a half-helmet and sustained a broken jaw, concussion and several facial injuries. Medford Lt. Mike Moran said Leach is recuperating "slowly but surely" at home while on sick leave and has not returned to work. Oregon State Police were called in to investigate the crash to avoid any conflict when Medford police discovered Leach was involved. After noticing possible "evidence of alcohol," Oregon State Police Lt. Dan Durbin said a blood sample was taken. Durbin declined to be more specific. The investigation is mainly wrapped up, Durbin said. "It's up to the (Josephine County) district attorney now," Durbin added. The case was forwarded to Josephine County last week to avoid any conflict of interest. Deputy District Attorney Kris Woodburn, who is handling the case, said he cannot make any comments until the matter is resolved. Jackson County District Attorney Mark Huddleston pointed out that guidelines adopted by the Oregon State Bar, the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association and the Oregon Association of Broadcasters prohibit district attorneys from releasing many details regarding cases which are still pending. Police agencies who forward case information also observe the same regulations, he added. "They are entitled to a fair trial," Huddleston said. "Very little information can be released." A person's name, charges filed and information released in open court is a matter of public record, Huddleston added. Once the case is resolved, Moran said, a departmental internal inquiry may follow to determine whether Leach violated any Medford police policies. "The traffic citation side of this situation will be handled by the Josephine County district attorney, just like any other citizen," Moran said. "When the internal part is concluded, appropriate discipline will be handed out, if any is needed." The results of an internal inquiry may or may not be made public, Moran said. Moran said he is unaware of any Medford police officer who was convicted of driving under the influence of intoxicants, either on or off duty, in the last 24 years. Leach is a 13-year veteran of the Medford Police Department who investigates computer crimes. Prior to working with Medford, Leach was employed by the U.S. Forest Service law enforcement division. No disciplinary actions have been taken against Leach, who is free to return to work as soon as he has recovered, Moran said. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.