Aggravated Theft Of Gold
- 09/10/26
The Grants Pass Police Department received a report of stolen gold from a local resident through a scam. Because of the value, the case was turned over to the Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit. Through a lengthy and complex investigation, Jing Chen, a 35-year-old male from California, was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Theft.
The loss to the victim is more than $200,000 in gold.
The investigation is still active. No further information will be provided at this time.
We would like to remind citizens to be cautious when receiving suspicious phone calls, texts, or emails. It is important to take additional steps to verify the messages' contents before responding or taking action. Should you receive a fraudulent message, please report it to the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260.
Aggravated Theft Of Gold
- 09/10/26
The Grants Pass Police Department received a report of stolen gold from a local resident through a scam. Because of the value, the case was turned over to the Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit. Through a lengthy and complex investigation, Jing Chen, a 35-year-old male from California, was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Theft.
The loss to the victim is more than $200,000 in gold.
The investigation is still active. No further information will be provided at this time.
We would like to remind citizens to be cautious when receiving suspicious phone calls, texts, or emails. It is important to take additional steps to verify the messages' contents before responding or taking action. Should you receive a fraudulent message, please report it to the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260.
Update Missing & Endangered Person Advisory (Photo)
- 09/03/26
Missing & Endangered Person Advisory
(Update - Previously submitted photos have been reformatted)
The Grants Pass Police Department is requesting the community’s assistance in locating missing and endangered resident David Lee Sparks (74) of Grants Pass.
Mr. Sparks was last seen at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 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.
Description of David Lee Sparks:
• 6’1” tall, approximately 132 lbs
• Long shoulder‑length gray hair
• Long gray beard & wears metal frame bi-focal glasses
• Common attire includes an American flag cowboy hat, suspenders, and blue jeans
Vehicle Information:
• 2004 light gray Ford F‑150 extended cab
• Oregon license plate 475 BJH
Anyone who has seen Mr. Sparks or has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the Grants Pass Police Department at (541-450-6260) or call 911 if he appears to be in danger.
Update Missing & Endangered Person Advisory (Photo)
- 09/03/26
Missing & Endangered Person Advisory
(Update - Previously submitted photos have been reformatted)
The Grants Pass Police Department is requesting the community’s assistance in locating missing and endangered resident David Lee Sparks (74) of Grants Pass.
Mr. Sparks was last seen at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 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.
Description of David Lee Sparks:
• 6’1” tall, approximately 132 lbs
• Long shoulder‑length gray hair
• Long gray beard & wears metal frame bi-focal glasses
• Common attire includes an American flag cowboy hat, suspenders, and blue jeans
Vehicle Information:
• 2004 light gray Ford F‑150 extended cab
• Oregon license plate 475 BJH
Anyone who has seen Mr. Sparks or has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the Grants Pass Police Department at (541-450-6260) or call 911 if he appears to be in danger.
Case Update: 2026-00029322
- 08/31/26
On August 26, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., officers from the Grants Pass Police Department were dispatched to a report of a physical disturbance near the Anne Basker Auditorium in the 600 block of Sixth Street. It was reported that individuals were physically fighting in the street. Upon initial investigation, officers found that two adult males had been involved in an altercation; however, statements from the involved parties and witnesses were inconsistent.
A citizen video showing a portion of the incident was circulated online and reviewed by officers. Knowing that additional videos might exist that captured the full altercation, no arrests were made that day pending a thorough investigation.
After obtaining and reviewing additional video evidence, officers were able to assess the entire incident. Based on this review, probable cause was established for the arrest of both men on charges of harassment and disorderly conduct. David T. Haury (39) of Grants Pass and Edgar M. Pelfrey (62) of Grants Pass were arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on August 31, 2026.
This incident occurred during a protest event and involved individuals with opposing viewpoints, contributing to a highly charged atmosphere. The Grants Pass Police Department appreciates the community’s patience as officers worked to gather all available information and fully understand what occurred prior to making an arrest.
No further information will be released at this time.
Case Update: 2026-00029322
- 08/31/26
On August 26, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., officers from the Grants Pass Police Department were dispatched to a report of a physical disturbance near the Anne Basker Auditorium in the 600 block of Sixth Street. It was reported that individuals were physically fighting in the street. Upon initial investigation, officers found that two adult males had been involved in an altercation; however, statements from the involved parties and witnesses were inconsistent.
A citizen video showing a portion of the incident was circulated online and reviewed by officers. Knowing that additional videos might exist that captured the full altercation, no arrests were made that day pending a thorough investigation.
After obtaining and reviewing additional video evidence, officers were able to assess the entire incident. Based on this review, probable cause was established for the arrest of both men on charges of harassment and disorderly conduct. David T. Haury (39) of Grants Pass and Edgar M. Pelfrey (62) of Grants Pass were arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on August 31, 2026.
This incident occurred during a protest event and involved individuals with opposing viewpoints, contributing to a highly charged atmosphere. The Grants Pass Police Department appreciates the community’s patience as officers worked to gather all available information and fully understand what occurred prior to making an arrest.
No further information will be released at this time.
