GP Police Snared Man for Vandalizing Bank Door while Fleeing from Officers
Grants Pass Police arrested a well-known offender for vandalizing the door to a downtown bank while leading officers on a foot pursuit in the downtown area late last week.
The Police Department reports officers eventually caught up to 45-year-old Ely Benjamin Smith and arrested him in an alley off NW 6th Street between E and F streets on Friday at 9:04 a.m..
Police said Smith was called in for his drug-fueled behavior and ran away when told he was under arrest. While running away, he pulled down his pants and defecated in the direction of three officers before resuming his flight. He fled into downtown traffic and interfered with vehicles before running into Umpqua Bank, damaging an exit door and causing $2,000 in damage.
Officers cornered Smith in the alley and he armed himself with plastic lawn chair at which time he was tackled and placed into custody. He was clearly under the influence of methamphetamine and unable to care for himself.
Smith was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony 1st-Degree Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct and Escape. He was being held without bail.
Posted on 4/21/25 11:20AM by Sam Marsh
