Driver Fled McDonalds after Officer Contact, Located by JCSO Next Day, Lodged

A Jackson County Sheriff's deputy apprehended a man early this morning following a Grants Pass Police pursuit. The manager of the 6th Street McDonalds noticed whippit canisters in a red sedan that just pulled in to drive-thru Wednesday around 10:30 p.m. Both the driver and passenger had the canisters in their laps and had been witnessed inhaling the contents. An attempt was made to stall the suspects before law enforcement arrived. When officers arrived and contacted the occupants, the driver fled the scene at a high rate of speed. A pursuit was initiated, but reportedly terminated shortly after it began. Probable cause was established to arrest the driver for Felony Elude and Reckless Driving. The Josephine County Sheriff's and Oregon State Police were notified, the former of which advised the vehicle occupants were known to have a firearm. The next day around 12:56 a.m., a Jackson County Sheriff deputy located the vehicle at the Medford Wingstop, and transported him to the Valley of the Rogue State Park for Grants Pass Police to hand over the suspect. Johnny Vanpelt was taken into custody, transported to, and lodged in the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility for his charges. ...Read more

Josephine County Lights County Courthouse Green in Support of Veterans

Josephine County is illuminating the County Courthouse green as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans. Now through November 11th, the courthouse is lit with green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families. The Josephine County Veterans Service Office is located in the County Courthouse. The staff professionally advocate for veterans and their families to receive the benefits for which they are eligible. Now in its sixth year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Josephine County encourages residents, businesses and community organizations to participate in Operation Green Light by changing one light to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Community members may also share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. ...Read more

Man Trespassed on Two Properties, Resisted, Tased and Lodged by GP Police

Grants Pass Police tased and arrested the suspect in two subsequent trespassing complaints beginning Tuesday night. The first call to 911 reported she heard the sound of her window breaking around 11:47 p.m. When she contacted the suspect as he was walking away from the home in the 400 block of SW H Street, he reportedly approached her, pushed her to the ground, and punched her twice. He continued eastbound towards 4th Street screaming. By 12:38 a.m., another call to 911 reported the same suspect on a property in the 700 block of SW I Street. The caller thought the suspect was under the influence, and she said he thought the residence was his Airbnb. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect, Hunter Hatfield. He was determined to be the same suspect as reported before, and law enforcement advised that he was being detained. He told them he wasn't, and attempted to get away before being taken to the ground. Hatfield resisted by kicking at officers. He was ultimately tased and placed into handcuffs. Following a medical examination, he was transported to the Adult Jail Facility for Assault of a Public Safety Officer, Resisting Arrest, First Degree Criminal Trespass, Second Degree Criminal Mischief, and Assault in the Fourth Degree. ...Read more