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GP Police Apprehend Man that Ransacked Residence he was Unlawfully Staying In

Grants Pass Police were alerted to a trespassing complaint yesterday afternoon.

Officers received a call from a man bringing his grandfather back home from a multi-week trip. He said someone was inside his grandfather's house.

The man was able to tackle the suspect, Jack Doak, in the backyard before he could flee the scene. Officers arrived at 257 SW Central Ave. and were able to detain Doak, who was wearing clothes belonging to the caller.

Officers determined Doak had been staying at the residence for about one week, and had caused over $1000 in damage, including a metal safe he destroyed with large concrete stepping stones.

Doak had brought a glass pipe and a bag with a white crystalline substance which tested positive for methamphetamine. Other various items of Doak's were located inside the residence like a sword, two large fixed blade knives, house keys, and a Nintendo Switch.

Doak had a valid warrant out for his arrest, and was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant, for First Degree Burglary, Criminal Mischief, and Theft, plus a charge of Meth Possession.

Posted on 9/22/25 11:05AM by Alex Bauer

Ribbon Cutting Tuesday for First Dual-Branded Applebee's and IHOP in Grants Pass

The Siyavoush Soleimani Group is set to open their first dual-branded restaurant in Grants Pass on Tuesday. The Applebee's and IHOP located at 250 NE Agness Ave., is opening its doors September 23rd. It will offer guests IHOP’s world-famous pancakes and breakfast offerings, along with Applebee’s fan-favorite boneless wings, burgers, and appetizers, all under one roof. The Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce and the Siyavoush Soleimani Group will host a special ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. All are welcome to join the event and be among the first to visit the new restaurant.

Posted on 9/22/25 5:58AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Apprehend Man on Drug and Weapon Charges after Traffic Stop

Grants Pass Police apprehended a man on a drug and weapon charge after a traffic stop on Saturday.

Officers pulled over Joshua Pitts for traffic violations. Upon contact he was found to be suspended from driving and had no insurance.

During the impounding process, drug paraphernalia was located inside the vehicle and in Pitt's coin pocket. Officers also found two brass knuckles in his rear pants pockets.

The vehicle was searched further. Officers located a cloth zipper bag with packaging material, a firearm, as well as a digital scale with residue behind the passenger seat.

Pitts was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and Felon in Possession of a Weapon.

Posted on 9/22/25 5:57AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Arrested Woman on Multiple Charges after Call from Victim

Josephine County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a woman on multiple charges after receiving a call from the victim Saturday.

A man called officers reporting the suspect stole money from him, destroyed his camp, and threatened him with a knife.

Officers were able to locate the suspect outside Sam's Market and Deli on 8530 Monument Drive. She was throwing garbage around and waving a bottle full of liquid at people.

Officers detained the woman after she hit the store's front door. She was trespassed from the market, and found to be wanted on a Central Point Misdemeanor Warrant.

She was taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for the warrant, plus charges of Menacing, Second Degree theft, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Posted on 9/22/25 5:57AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Arrest Man for Attacking his Girlfriend Early Sunday

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic violence call early Sunday morning.

Around 3:40 a.m., a woman called stating she and her boyfriend had gotten into an argument. He then pinned her down, covered her mouth, and bit her fingers. Officers learned the suspect had also been violent with her two weeks prior.

The woman was able to leave the area with friends. She was treated at Three Rivers Medical Center for her injuries. Officers then tracked the suspect down at 6231 Neil Road.

The suspect said he had no recollection of the event, and was subsequently taken into custody. Officers lodged him in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Kidnapping, Strangulation, and Fourth Degree Assault.

Posted on 9/22/25 5:57AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Contacted Squatters, Arrested Two for Trespassing and Warrant Respectively

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended two suspects trespassing yesterday.

Officers noticed a woman with kids squatting in a vacant house unfit for living at 2640 Demaray Drive. When they contacted the owner of the property, officers learned no one should be there.

As deputies entered the property, more people located inside scattered and hid. One man was detained and found to have a Grants Pass Police Department warrant out for his arrest.

Officers also detained the woman and charged her with First Degree Criminal Trespass. The kids were picked up by her brother per request. The suspects and the other squatters were all trespassed from the property.

The man and woman were both lodged at the Josephine County Jail, but the woman was later released per a Release Assistance Officer pending trial.

Posted on 9/22/25 5:56AM by Alex Bauer

Latest Library Lease Draft Classifies Roof Replacement Costs as Rent

Legal Counsel Wally Hicks released an updated library lease Friday afternoon to be considered by the Board of Commissioners and Library District. In a release regarding the lease draft, Hicks reports the payment that the library agreed to make to the county towards replacement of the roof would now be classified as rent. The total payment amount for five years would be $27,687. Pre-payment on the total rent is $20,424. Annual payments due will be $1,453. The county will continue to be responsible for replacement of the roof. The termination clause remains, saying if the lease isn't carried out, the defaulting party would be notified 30 days in advance if there was intent to terminate.

Posted on 9/19/25 3:04PM by Alex Bauer

OSP Arrested Man Damaging I-5 Power Box on Out of County Warrant

Oregon State Police Officers were alerted to a man along I-5 damaging a power box yesterday.

Officers located the suspect near milepost 65 Thursday afternoon. Upon contacting Kristian Melms, they found he was wanted on a Jackson County warrant for Failure to Appear in Court for a Fourth Degree Assault charge.

Melms was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on the warrant.

Posted on 9/19/25 11:41AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Apprehend Man for Meth Possession after Brief Chase

Grants Pass Police apprehended a man after a brief chase yesterday.

Officers were notified of the suspect breaking through a fence and entering a neighbor's property at 1708 NE Fairview Avenue, before running west bound Thursday afternoon.

The man gave up running shortly thereafter, and was stopped by authorities. They contacted the suspect, Erik Jenkins, and found him to be wanted on a warrant for Parole Violation. During a consent search, officers found a white crystalline substance which tested positive for methamphetamine.

Jenkins was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on the warrant and for Meth Possession.

Posted on 9/19/25 11:30AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Apprehend Suspects on Warrants in Two Related Cases

In two cases early this morning, Grants Pass Police officers apprehended suspects on warrants out for their arrest.

Officers contacted Steven Juergensen at Resting Site 6 on 704 NW 6th Street. He was found to have three separate warrants.

Juergensen was lodged in the Josephine County Jail on the warrants: two for Possession of a Controlled Substance, and one for Second Degree Criminal Trespass.

While en-route to the jail with Juergensen, officers spotted another suspect who was known to have a warrant on the corner of NE E Street and NE 8th Street.

Upon contact, Christian Gardner was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on his warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine.

Posted on 9/19/25 8:19AM by Alex Bauer

Grocery Outlet's Stuff the Truck Event to Support Josephine County Food Bank

The Grants Pass Grocery Outlet is hosting their Stuff the Truck event supporting the Josephine County Food Bank this weekend. On Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 350 NE Agness Avenue, everyone is encouraged to stop by and pick up some extra, non-perishable items while grocery shopping to support the Food Bank. You can also purchase a pre-priced "grab and go" bag of food at the front of the store. Stop by the Food Bank booth to see how your support helps fight hunger here in our community. Learn about their mission, volunteer opportunities, and their other programs that help make a difference for those struggling with food insecurity.

Posted on 9/19/25 4:48AM by Alex Bauer

BLM Closures to be lifted after Increased Containment of Kelsey Peak Fire

Thanks to increased containment on the Kelsey Peak Fire, Bureau of Land Management closures will be opened. The BLM Grants Pass Field Office will lift the closure order on BLM Road 32-9-14.2 and the BLM-administered section of the Rogue River Trail from Horseshoe Bend to Marial today. Official assessments determined the road and trail closures are no longer needed. Firefighters continue operations on the Kelsey Peak Fire and are still using portions of BLM Road 32-9-14.2. Additionally, they are using the Grave Creek to Marial Backcountry Byway and the Cow Creek Scenic Byway. People using those routes are cautioned to drive slowly, watch out for firefighting equipment, and drive with headlights on. The BLM Medford District remains in high fire danger.

Posted on 9/19/25 4:16AM by Alex Bauer

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