Medford Man Arrested After Bar Fight in Colby

Friday, September 4th, 2026 -- 10:00 AM

On August 30th, the Colby-Abbotsford Police Department became aware at approximately 2:27 am, of a possible fight at a bar out of jurisdiction in Marathon County. 

Marathon County Deputies responded to that bar.  Dispatch also received a 911 call about an injured party who was enroute in a private vehicle to the hospital with serious injuries sustained in the fight.

It was determined by Deputies the fight did not occur at the Marathon County bar but at a bar located in the City of Colby, Clark County.  The reporting party and witnesses were at the Marathon County bar reporting the incident which occurred earlier in Colby.

No emergency calls were made by individuals witnessing or involved in the fight at the time of the fight. An Officer responded to the El Derby Bar in Colby and an Officer also responded to the hospital with the injured male.

Through investigation, review of surveillance videos and other video provided to Officers, the initial fight involving several individuals occurred inside the bar at approximately 1:56 am. Individuals moved outside of the bar where fighting continued between several individuals.

In the video a male approached another male and struck the male on the side of their face/neck with what was determined to be a sharp object in his hand, causing serious injury. Officers investigated the incident and determined the identity of individuals involved in the fight.

Officers were able to identify the male who caused the serious injury. Colby-Abbotsford Police Department officers collected evidence, took photographs, conducted interviews and viewed videos during the investigation.

On August 31, 2026, a Colby-Abbotsford Police Officer coordinated with the Medford Police Department to arrest the suspect involved in the serious injury. The suspect was not at his residence at the time of Medford Police Department initial attempt to make contact.

Later, the suspect came to the Medford Police Department on his own. Medford Police Officers detained the suspect and transferred custody to a Colby-Abbotsford Police Officer. The Colby-Abbotsford Police Officer interviewed the suspect and placed him under arrest.

The suspect was transported to the Clark County Jail. The suspect, Luis A. Calderon Ortiz, 33, of Medford was charged with Aggravated battery – Sub. Risk Great Bodily Harm, Disorderly Conduct and Use of a Dangerous Weapon.

Additional charges may be filed against other individuals involved in the incident.  This investigation is ongoing. Calderon Ortiz will have his initial appearance on October 6, 2026 in Clark County. This is an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the general public.

No additional information will be released at this time. The Colby-Abbotsford Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police Department, Taylor County Sheriff’s office and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.