Alleged Gunshots Reported to GP Police, Suspect's Shovel the Cause
Dispatch received report of what was thought to be a gunshot, leading police to lodge a man following a brief foot pursuit. A call to 911 reported the alleged gunshot Monday around 10:09 p.m. The caller reported two suspects had been fighting, but ran from the scene in separate directions from a property in the 700 block of SW Burgess Street. Another call to dispatch reported one of the suspects appearing to be under the influence near the Short Stop Market. The caller said several loud shots were heard, and the suspect was reported to be going westbound on SW Bridge Street. Officers located the suspect and told him he was under arrest. He fled on foot however, but was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. The suspect was identified as Ely Smith, and it was learned he had swung a small metal shovel at a telephone pole, causing the reports of what were thought to be gunshots. Smith was searched, booked, and then lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Disorderly Conduct, Third Degree Escape, and a probation violation detainer.
...Read more
Fire Danger Decreases to Moderate, IFPL remaining at Level 2
Another day of rainfall and unseasonably cool temperatures has prompted a further decrease in fire danger across Jackson and Josephine counties. As of 10 a.m. today (Sept. 3rd), the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District have decreased from “high” to “moderate”. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at Level 2. Continued rainfall throughout the past day, combined with unseasonably cool temperatures, has further reduced fire danger across the district. While these conditions have allowed for a decrease to moderate fire danger, fire season remains in effect and vegetation can dry quickly once warmer, drier weather returns. The public should continue to follow all current fire prevention regulations and use caution during outdoor activities. Outdoor debris burning remains prohibited. The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and the updated restrictions affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal and other spark-emitting equipment will now be allowed until 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m. daily. Mowing green lawns is allowed at any time.
...Read more
GP Police Issue Missing & Endangered Person Advisory
The Grants Pass Police Department is requesting the community’s assistance in locating missing and endangered resident David Lee Sparks, 74, of Grants Pass. He was last seen at approximately 9 a.m. Wednesday, at 195 Terry Lane, where he asked a relative for gas money for his truck. When he had not returned home by 5:30 p.m., family members became concerned. Mr. Sparks is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and is currently without his required medication, which places him at increased risk. He also experiences rapid memory loss, making it urgent that he be located quickly. He is described as 6’1” tall, approximately 132 lbs. He has long shoulder length gray hair, a long gray beard, and he wears metal frame bi-focal glasses. Common attire includes an American flag cowboy hat, suspenders, and blue jeans. He drives a 2004 light gray Ford F 150 extended cab with Oregon license plate 475 BJH. Anyone who has seen Mr. Sparks or has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260 or call 911 if he appears to be in danger.
...Read more
