Ficke_arrest.jpg

ARRESTEE:

Ficke, James Alan 63 year old   Grants Pass Resident

CHARGES:

Sexual Assault of an Animal in the First Degree

Encouraging Sexual Assault of an Animal

DETAILS:

On 01-26-2022, Detectives from the Grants Pass Police served a search warrant at 5900 block of Williams Hwy. with the assistance of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office and members of Rogue Area Drug Enforcement team.  The warrant was the result of an investigation into allegations of sexual assault of an animal by the listed arrestee, James Ficke.  

Ficke was located at the residence and taken into custody without incident.  The search warrant was served and Ficke was later lodged in the Josephine County Jail on the above listed charges.  Josephine County Animal Control also responded and removed two dogs from the location for safe keeping.  Due to the case still being actively investigated, anyone with further information is asked to call Det. Lohrfink at 541-450-6260.  

VICTIM:

  Johnson, Tobias Devin  39 years of age  Grants Pass Resident

ARRESTEE:

  Dayton, Paul S.  42 year old male   Rogue River resident

CHARGES:

  Murder in the Second Degree

  Unlawful Use of a Weapon

DETAILS:

On 01-22-2022, at approximately 9:15 pm, the Grants Pass Police Department responded to Flespy's Bar and Grill for a report of a male subject laying on the sidewalk, unconscious with blood on him.  Officers arrived on scene within one minute from the time of call and located citizens attempting to provide emergency medical treatment to a male subject laying near the front of the building.  Emergency personnel from Grants Pass Fire Rescue and AMR also responded and provided medical treatment to the male. 

Despite the rapid response of emergency personnel, the male was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Detectives were notified and responded to assist with the investigation, as well as the Josephine County District Attorney and later the Oregon State Police Forensics unit.  Fruitdale Drive was closed for all traffic for approximately 4 hours while the scene was processed. 

After clearing from the crime scene, detectives continued working on leads and follow up on evidence throughout the night.  After conducting the additional investigation, a name was developed for a possible suspect.  Detectives were able to determine the arrestee, Paul Dayton, was involved in this incident and obtained a search warrant for his residence in the area of Wards Creek Road in Rogue River, Or. 

Due to the severity of the crime and an unknown threat to the public, Jackson County Sheriff's Office was contacted for assistance with serving the warrant for Dayton.  The Rogue River Police Department also assisted with looking for the suspect in this case and provided resources for our officers and detectives while conducting follow up in the Rogue River area.  One additional witness to the incident was located at the Lil' Pantry in Rogue River prior to the warrant being served.  Dayton was located at his residence and was taken into custody without incident by members of the Jackson County SWAT and Negotiations teams.  

Due to the diligence of the detective unit and assistance from our partnering agencies in Jackson County, Dayton was safely taken into custody approximately 16 hours after the initial reported incident. Without the assistance from the Josephine County District Attorney, Oregon State Police Forensics Unit, Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the cooperation of any witnesses to this case, we would not have been able to successfully close this case in a timely manner. 

Due to the fact that this is a major crime investigation, any requests for additional information will be directed to the Josephine County District Attorney's Office.  Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Det. Shaw with the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260. 

Grants Pass, OR. - During the month of December 2021, the Grants Pass Police Department once again joined forces with other Oregon law enforcement agencies to participate in High Visibility Enforcement Operations directed toward keeping our roadways safe.  Patrols were increased to aggressively look for impaired drivers throughout our community.

During the month, the Grants Pass Police Department arrested 30 people for driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), which includes alcohol and/or controlled substances.  Of those 30 persons arrested for DUII, 15 of those were arrested around the holidays of Christmas and New Year’s Day (between December 17, 2021, and January 1, 2022).  For the entire year of 2021, the Grants Pass Police Department arrested 289 people for DUII.

The Grants Pass Police Department encourages everyone to plan ahead and designate a sober driver.  Citizens who witness suspected impaired drivers are encouraged to call 911 immediately. Thank you for helping the Grants Pass Police Department keep our roads safe.

###

Grants Pass, Or. – On December 26, 2021, at approximately 6:28 PM, the Grants Pass Police Department responded to the 200 block of NW Blossom Drive to find two victims suffering from the effects of bear spray. One of the two victims had also been struck several times by rubber bullets during an attempted kidnapping and robbery. Due to the seriousness of the crime, Grants Pass Detectives responded to the scene to continue the investigation. Neither of the victims required hospitalization for their injuries and were not randomly targeted by the suspects.

With the assistance of the Medford Police Department, the vehicle used by the suspects was located in Medford a few days later. Following the granting of a search warrant, Grants Pass Police Detectives, with the assistance of the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team and Grants Pass K-9 Match, recovered approximately ¼ pound (estimated 1,400 pills) of suspected Fentanyl concealed within the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle at the time of the stop in Medford, identified as Bruno Chiquete-Reyes, a 35-year-old male from Richmond, CA., was subsequently arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for possession and attempted distribution of a controlled substance.

As the robbery investigation progressed, Grants Pass Police Detectives identified three primary suspects. On January 05, 2022, Grants Pass Detectives arrested Aliczander McClymonds, a 30-year-old male, and Anthony Jolly-Satyna, a 24-year-old male. On January 06, 2022, with the assistance of the Medford Police Department, Grants Pass Detectives arrested Joel Wurch, a 41-year-old male. All three suspects were lodged at the Josephine County Jail for First-degree Robbery, Attempted First-degree Kidnapping, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Unlawful Use of Mace (Bear Spray).

The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank the community, R.A.D.E., and the Medford Police Department for their assistance. Anyone having further information related to this investigation is asked to contact Grants Pass Detectives at 541-450-6260 and reference case #21-54740.

###

Mercella Marie Ruiz

***Mercella Ruiz has been located safe .  Thank you*** 

Attention 

Missing Person  GPDPS Case #2022-000545

Ruiz, Mercella Marie

5’03”, 125 lbs, Brown Hair, Brown Eyes.

13 YOA

Mercella Ruiz was last observed at her residence by her mother in their northeast Grants Pass Home at approximately 1700 hours.  She was wearing a white T-shirt and black leggings at that time.  Mercella has a history of past suicide ideations and attempts.  If seen or located, contact the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety at 541-450-6260.  

On 12/31/2022 at approximately 2129 hours, Grants Pass Police responded to a reported shooting involving a firearm at Morrison Centennial Park.  Detectives also responded to assist with the investigation due to the complexity and heavy call load on New Years Eve. 

Upon arrival, officers located a lone, male juvenile with a single gun shot wound.  Due to the severity of the injury, the victim was transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center via AMR ambulance. The victim has been treated and is reported to be in stable condition. 

During the course of the investigation, it was determined several individuals were involved in a disturbance at the park prior to a firearm being displayed and finally discharged at the victim.  At this time, the juvenile suspect has been identified, but the whereabouts of this individual is unknown. The investigation is continuing and GP Detectives are following up on additional leads.  

The Grants Pass Police would like to assure all citizens this is an isolated incident involving these two juveniles, and there does not appear to be any further risk to the public. Due to the individuals involved all being under age, names and further information will be withheld at this time.  

ARRESTEE #1:

Schill, Shawn   DOB: 09/22/2000

2088 NE Fairview Avenue #3, Grants Pass

CHARGES:

Criminal Mischief in the First Degree

Reckless Endangering

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

ARRESTEE #2:

Smith, Tony  DOB: 08/22/1976

1648 Kellenbeck Avenue

CHARGES:

Criminal Mischief in the First Degree

Reckless Endangering

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

On 01/01/2022 at approximately 0900 hours, Grants Pass Police officers responded to a reported criminal mischief to the AT&T building located at 150 NE Agness Avenue.  When officers arrived on scene, officers located damage to the building to include a broken window. 

Based on the initial investigation, it appeared the damage was consistent with bullets being fired into the building. Detectives and a department crash reconstructionist were called in to assist with the investigation.  After conducting further follow up, it was discovered the building was damaged after subjects shot at the building from nearby residences. With the assistance of witnesses and physical evidence collected at the scene, two individuals, Shawn Schill and Tony Smith were later identified as persons of interest in the case.  

Schill and Smith were contacted, interviewed and later arrested after it was determined they discharged firearms within the city limits. Both Smith and Schill were lodged in the Josephine County Jail for: Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Reckless Endangering and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Due to the complexity of the investigation, Fairview Avenue was closed between Winco and Agness Avenue while investigators canvassed the area and collected evidence.   

The Grants Pass Police handled numerous reports of shots being fired as part of New Years Eve celebrations.  We would like to remind everyone that discharging firearms within the city limits is illegal and can cause injuries and damage to the public. No booking photos will be attached to this press release due to a change in Oregon law which no longer allows agencies to post photos of those arrested in cases like this.  

This case will be sent to the District Attorneys Office for filing of charges and review.  No further details on the case will be released while the case is pending prosecution.  

Grants Pass Police are conducting a follow-up investigation related to firearms being discharged during the early morning hours on New Year's day.  This investigation has revealed no injuries were sustained, and there is no threat to the general public, but the case requires that NE Fairview Avenue between Winco and Agness Avenue will need to be closed for an undetermined amount of time.  Please use alternate routes unless you're a resident of the area.  We will update this alert when the roadway re-opens, and a detailed press release will follow.

Investigators have completed their follow-up investigation, and the roadway is now open.  Grants Pass Police would like to thank you for your patience and understanding.