Suspected Arsonist in Bush and Palm Tree Fires Arrested by GP Police
Reports of smoke dispatched Grants Pass Police to arrest the suspected arsonist responsible for bush and palm tree fires Thursday. The first fire occurred at the Sunflower Bank at 550 SW 6th Street, where a nearby officer observed the fully involved bush prior to 911 calls. An extinguisher was used to keep the bush fire from spreading to the nearby building. Grants Pass firefighters arrived and fully extinguished the fire. Another column of smoke was reported coming from a palm tree outside Fabulous Fridays at 757 SE 6th Street. Both fires were found to be started with a Bic lighter by Serenity Bailey. She admitted to setting the fires, as well as recent Methamphetamine usage. A consent search of her person was conducted, confirming both admissions with the seizure of the lighter and a charge of Meth Possession being placed on her. She was transported to the Adult Jail Facility for lodging on her meth charge, plus two counts of First Degree Arson, and a parole violation detainer.
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Gold Scam Suspect Arrested by GP Police, Public Cautioned of Fraud
The Grants Pass Police Department received a report of stolen gold from a local resident through a scam. Because of the value, the case was turned over to the Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit. Through a lengthy and complex investigation, Jing Chen, a 35-year-old male from California, was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Theft. Jail logs show he was later released per a court order. The loss to the victim is more than $200,000 in gold. The investigation is still active. No further information will be provided at this time. Police are reminding citizens to be cautious when receiving suspicious phone calls, texts, or emails. It is important to take additional steps to verify the messages' contents before responding or taking action. Should you receive a fraudulent message, please report it to Grants Pass Police at 541-450-6260.
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BCC Tabled Special Service District Discussion, Approved By-Laws
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners tabled a Special Service District discussion, and approved 3-0 an order accepting by-laws for the Economic Development Committee at today's workshop. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., a discussion regarding a potential district for the District Attorney, Juvenile Justice, and Jail, was tabled until after the November Election. Legal Counsel then provided clarity on potential agenda modifications regarding best practices, agenda item adding and voting, and provided notices for said agendas. The board approved the appointment of Marie Curren as Behavioral Health Peer to the Addictions Mental Health Public Health Advisory Committee. Both Don Bellville and Joel Perkin were approved 2-1 for re-appointment to the County Mining Advisory Committee. Commissioner Gary Richardson was the lone dissenting vote. Commissioner Colene Martin wanted to see if the board would be willing to provide an endorsement for the 93 cent Jail Levy at a cost of $400 for informational purposes to the community. With the board in agreement, it was approved without objection.
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