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.
He will be lodged at the Jackson County Jail after release from the hospital. His charges include First Degree Arson, First Degree Burglary, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, and Second Degree Trespass.
Members of Ashland Fire and Rescue on the scene were able to quickly address the fire. The house sustained heavy damage.
