Local News

Grants Pass Police arrested a motorist for impaired driving in the Redwood area last night after he punched another motorist in the face.

The Police Department reports officers responded to the reported assault at the intersection of East Park and 7th streets on Wednesday around 9:15 p.m..

Police said the victim called 9-1-1 to report a motorist later identified as 48-year-old Thomas Daniel Negrette, Sr., exited his vehicle at the stop light and punched him twice before he could roll up the window. The victim was not seriously hurt and followed the suspect whom he believed was under the influence of alcohol.

Negrette reportedly drove west while swerving all over Redwood Highway before he turned onto Redwood Avenue and entered the Redwood Center. The victim followed him while maintaining contact with dispatchers. He observed the suspect enter the Redwood Market and exit the store with a beer in his hand.

Officers swooped in and contacted Negrette who displayed signs of impairment, but refused to answer questions or participate in field sobriety tests. A search warrant was obtained and he was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center for a legal blood draw that documented his impairment.

Negrette was subsequently lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Physical Harassment. His Chrysler 300 was towed.