Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a man on three outstanding warrants and he may be facing additional charges after a hit-and-run accident in the Sunny Valley area yesterday.

The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested 34-year-old Michael David Brenden in the 8300-block of Lower Grave Creek Road on Wednesday at 3:24 p.m..

Deputies said Brenden was driving a Honda sedan with no license plates when he crashed through a gate and got stuck on the side of Grave Creek. They said he took off running into the woods, but the property owner detained him at gunpoint and restrained him with private handcuffs until law enforcement arrived on scene.

An investigation determined that Brenden was wanted on a Josephine County felony warrant for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Felony Attempt to Elude Police, Felony Criminal Mischief and 1st-Degree Theft; a Jackson County warrant for failing to appear in court for impaired driving; and an Oregon State warrant for Parole Violation related to a previous traffic offense.

Brenden complained of back pain, so he was checked out by American Medical Response and cleared for lodging at the Josephine County Jail. He was booked on the warrants and was being held without bail. The Honda he wrecked had been reported stolen out of Washington State and additional charges are pending.