Suspect who Punched Taprock Employee Apprehended by GP Police
Grants Pass Police apprehended a man after he struck an employee of Cartwright's Taprock Northwest Grill.
On Wednesday at 5:50 p.m., the suspect, Derek King, followed an employee of the 971 SE 6th Street restaurant into the kitchen and punched him in the face causing injury. Other employees then pinned the suspect to the ground by Caveman Bridge.
Prior to the assault, King was told by employees to leave the premises, but he refused to do so. A witness reported to dispatch that King, after striking the employee, ran outside, was tackled by employees, and then held down by the two managers.
Emergency Medical Services were declined, and King was detained by arriving law enforcement. During a consent search, a cylindrical glass pipe, which field tested positive for Methamphetamine, was located on King's person. His parole officer was advised, and a detainer was placed on King.
Officers then transported and lodged King in the Josephine County Jail for the detainer, Fourth Degree Assault, Second Degree Disorderly Conduct, Trespass in the Second Degree, and Possession of Meth.
Posted on 12/26/25 11:34AM by Alex Bauer
