Local News

Ashland Police officers responded to a parking area behind a local business for a report of a strong-armed robbery that occurred Monday.

Witnesses reported that a man pulled a female victim from a car and stole her purse in the 2300 block of Ashland Street around 6:55 p.m. The man reportedly fled the scene through an open field toward Interstate 5.

Officers, assisted by the Talent Police Department, arrived on scene and began looking for the suspect. He was quickly located walking northbound on I-5 near mile marker 15.5.

Officer retraced the path of the fleeing suspect, finding some of the stolen property. Further investigation indicated that the suspect likely intended to steal the victim’s car as well. The victim did not report being injured.

Officers were able to obtain video evidence in support of the charges, and the suspect was identified as Michael Scott Todnem, 39, of Grants Pass. He was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges of Robbery in the Third Degree, Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle, Fourth Degree Assault, Harassment, Third Degree Theft, and Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree.

Any additional witnesses are asked to call the Ashland Police Department at 541-482-5211.