Local News

Grants Pass Police jailed a man early today for allegedly breaking into a northeast-city apartment and forcefully stealing a bicycle late last night.

The Police Department reports officers arrested 45-year-old Jeffrey Brian Madden for the incident in the 100-block of NE A Street at 12:22 this morning.

Police said the Grants Pass 9-1-1 Communications Center received a call from the apartment around 11 p.m. Tuesday when dispatchers overhead a man and woman yelling at each other. A female voice was heard yelling to give back her items and a male voice was heard threatening to kick the woman. Dispatchers also heard things being slammed around the apartment along with pounding and grunting.

Upon arrival, officers determined that Madden had used force to enter the unit by kicking down the door and causing about $800 in damage. Once inside, the suspect ransacked the apartment and stole a Schwinn bicycle valued at $1,000. The victim tried to stop the suspect who shoved him down and threatened to kill him.

Police located Madden with the stolen bike a short time later and placed him into custody. Upon arrival at the Josephine County Jail, officers located a pipe in the patrol car with white crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.

Madden was lodged in jail on felony charges of 1st-Degree Burglary, 3rd-Degree Robbery and 1st-Degree Theft along with misdemeanor charges of 2nd-Degree Criminal Mischief and Meth Possession. He was being held without bail.