Wanted O'Brien Man Arrested in Washington State

An O'Brien man wanted in connection with multiple stolen vehicles and a high-speed pursuit was apprehended in Washington. Washougal Police arrested Billy Dean Gregory, 55, on January 16, and booked him into the Clark County Jail. Gregory was arrested for third-degree theft, and making a false statement to a public servant. He is also being held on outstanding warrants for 13 additional charges, including five counts of theft, forgery, theft of a motor vehicle, and attempting to elude, among others. Local charges have been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. The initial incident began just before 10:30 a.m., December 19th, when Josephine County reported a stolen vehicle eluding law enforcement on Interstate 5. The pursuit continued into Jackson County, where Central Point Police Department officers successfully deployed spike strips on the suspect vehicle along I-5. Despite the damage, Gregory continued to elude officers at a high rate of speed into Ashland. The pursuit was later terminated due to public safety concerns. ...Read more

Commissioner Smith Releases Statement on State of County, Appointment Process

Commissioner Ron Smith, in a statement, aimed to reassure the community that "county government continues to function." He continued, saying essential services are still in place, there isn't any disruption to regular operations, and "the current situation is temporary." Smith echoed these statements during KAJO's Tuesday Talk Show this morning. The process of appointing a new commissioner will "occur in the very near future", Smith said. "Any commissioner appointed will serve only to ensure continuity of county government and will hold office until the general election this November." According to a call to the County Clerk's office, there will be no confirmation on future meetings of the Temporary board until the recall election of Former Commissioner Chris Barnett is certified. The election results will be posted to the county website no earlier than 5 p.m. January 28th, but no later than February 2nd. ...Read more

GP Police Participating in Safety Belt Overtime Blitz

The Grants Pass Police Department is participating in the Safety Belt Overtime Blitz now through the beginning of February. Officers are expected to conduct enforcement activities at various locations throughout town, including school zones and major thoroughfares. Now until February 8th, law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will use this time to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages one through twelve years old. In 2023, 1,972 children under twelve were injured in Oregon traffic crashes, 11 percent were reported not using a child restraint system. Of the 25,420 passenger vehicle occupants killed in the United States in 2022, 50% were not wearing seat belts. In 2017, an Oregon law was passed requiring children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with a harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle. ...Read more