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.
Grants Pass Police Arrest Two Suspects For Serious Assault
- 08/18/26
On Saturday, August 15, 2026, shortly after 3:30 a.m., Grants Pass Police received a report of a physical fight involving several people in the 800 block of NE A Street. Grants Pass Police officers responded to the area to investigate. Officers learned that two victims had sustained injuries after being struck with a crowbar and were requesting medical assistance. Grants Pass Police detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation.
During the initial response, officers developed probable cause to arrest two Grants Pass residents: Samantha Fillmore (30) and Jeremy Whelchel (45). Fillmore was taken into custody without incident. Whelchel was believed to be hiding in a nearby apartment. Officers maintained containment of the apartment until a search warrant was obtained and executed several hours later.
Upon serving the warrant, officers located Whelchel inside the residence and took him into custody. Both Fillmore and Whelchel were lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of Assault II, Assault III, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Grants Pass Police Arrest Two Suspects For Serious Assault
- 08/18/26
On Saturday, August 15, 2026, shortly after 3:30 a.m., Grants Pass Police received a report of a physical fight involving several people in the 800 block of NE A Street. Grants Pass Police officers responded to the area to investigate. Officers learned that two victims had sustained injuries after being struck with a crowbar and were requesting medical assistance. Grants Pass Police detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation.
During the initial response, officers developed probable cause to arrest two Grants Pass residents: Samantha Fillmore (30) and Jeremy Whelchel (45). Fillmore was taken into custody without incident. Whelchel was believed to be hiding in a nearby apartment. Officers maintained containment of the apartment until a search warrant was obtained and executed several hours later.
Upon serving the warrant, officers located Whelchel inside the residence and took him into custody. Both Fillmore and Whelchel were lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of Assault II, Assault III, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Assault Suspect 26-27750
- 08/14/26
*Case Update*
On August 14, 2026, at approximately 6:40 PM, Michael Cutts was arrested without incident, less than 24 hours after he was determined to be a person of interest in a major assault that left a victim hospitalized on August 13, 2026. The timeline for this arrest was shortened significantly thanks in large part to ALPR technology and strong partnerships with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners and all the community members who took an interest in this case.
Michael Cutts was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on multiple charges, including Assault II, Burglary I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Contempt of Court.
On August 13, 2026, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Grants Pass 911 received an emergency call reporting a major assault that occurred on Southridge Way in Grants Pass. A male victim was reported to be seriously injured and was transported to Three Rivers Community Hospital. Patrol officers and Major Crimes detectives from the Grants Pass Police Department responded to both the scene and the hospital.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are attempting to contact Michael Brinen Cutts (40) for questioning.
The Grants Pass Police Department is seeking assistance from community members who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Cutts. Please contact the Grants Pass Police Department and request to speak with a detective regarding case number 2026-00027750.
Assault Suspect 26-27750
- 08/14/26
*Case Update*
On August 14, 2026, at approximately 6:40 PM, Michael Cutts was arrested without incident, less than 24 hours after he was determined to be a person of interest in a major assault that left a victim hospitalized on August 13, 2026. The timeline for this arrest was shortened significantly thanks in large part to ALPR technology and strong partnerships with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners and all the community members who took an interest in this case.
Michael Cutts was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on multiple charges, including Assault II, Burglary I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Contempt of Court.
On August 13, 2026, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Grants Pass 911 received an emergency call reporting a major assault that occurred on Southridge Way in Grants Pass. A male victim was reported to be seriously injured and was transported to Three Rivers Community Hospital. Patrol officers and Major Crimes detectives from the Grants Pass Police Department responded to both the scene and the hospital.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are attempting to contact Michael Brinen Cutts (40) for questioning.
The Grants Pass Police Department is seeking assistance from community members who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Cutts. Please contact the Grants Pass Police Department and request to speak with a detective regarding case number 2026-00027750.
