California Transient Sets House Ablaze, Arrested by Ashland Police
Ashland Police officers arrested a heavily-armed California transient trespassing inside a vacant home he later set ablaze in the 100 block of Church Street Saturday. Law enforcement contacted the suspect, later identified as 41-year-old Fedish Llewellyn Ford. He was armed with an axe and refused to come outside. He stated he was additionally armed with firearms and explosives, and that the only way he would vacate the property was if fatal force was used. He also told officers he would use the explosives to set the residence on fire if removed. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team members and negotiators were requested at the scene, and a search warrant was granted. Because of the ongoing threats to use explosives to set the house on fire, members of the SWAT team initiated contact with Ford at approximately 5 p.m. Ford then used accelerants to set the house on fire, and exited onto the roof of the house. SWAT team members used a ladder to contact him and take him into custody. Ford sustained significant burn injuries, and is being treated at an area hospital. ...Read more

Gunman Shoots Teen in Neck, Arrested by Medford Police
Medford Police officers arrested a gunman responsible for shooting a teenager at the intersection of Crater Lake Avenue and Stevens Street Sunday around 2:21 a.m. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old male with a single gunshot wound to the neck. Officers immediately began providing aid until personnel from Mercy Flights and Medford Fire Department arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries is expected to recover. During a search of the area, officers located the suspect, Phoenix Wood, 21, in the Providence parking garage. He was taken into custody without incident. The firearm was also recovered. The MPD Criminal Investigations Division (CID) was notified, and a detective responded to lead the investigation. The investigation determined Wood and the victim did not know each other and became involved in an argument. During the confrontation, Wood produced a handgun and struck the victim with it. While doing so, the firearm discharged, striking the victim in the neck. ...Read more

GP Police Arrested Former GPHS Staff Member Following Allegations
A Grants Pass Police Department School Resource Officer was alerted to possible criminal activity involving a student and adult staff member of Grants Pass High School January 6th. According to a release, due to the severity of the allegations, detectives with the Grants Pass Police took over the investigation the same day. Grants Pass School District 7 has been forthcoming with the investigation and took immediate action to prevent any further contact with students. The staff member is no longer employed with the district. The identity of the victim is being withheld. As a result of the on-going investigation, Terry Green, a 57-year-old male, was taken into custody on March 25th. Green was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for two counts of Luring a Minor, and Second Degree Encouraging Sex Abuse. There is no evidence at this time that another student was involved. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Grants Pass Police Detectives Unit at 541-450-6260. Parents and students can also submit information anonymously via the Safe Oregon Tip Line by calling or texting 844-472-3367. ...Read more