Local News

Grants Pass Police jailed a serial arsonist for setting more fires in the downtown area early yesterday.

The Police Department reports officers arrested 56-year-old Shannon Dixon Beckett on railroad property between SE 8th and 9th streets on Wednesday at 6:23 a.m..

Police said three separate calls for service were generated for fires Beckett started at 210 SE 8th Street, 130 SE J Street and SE 9th Street at the tracks. They said a dumpster in the alley behind Point S Tire was set on fire and burned part of the fence at the Eagles Lodge. Damage estimates were not available.

Beckett was contacted on railroad property from which he had been trespassed. He was in possession of a hat with soot on the bill and one glove plus a lighter was found that he admitted belonged to him. He admitted to lighting the fire on railroad property, causing damage to vegetation. He also admitted to lighting cardboard boxes in the alley on SE 8th Street. A citizen used a fire extinguisher to put it out.

All the fires had been fully extinguished by 6 a.m. and Beckett was immediately identified as the primary suspect. He has intentionally set numerous fires in Grants Pass and Medford in recent months. He has been trespassed from the City of Medford for his actions.

Beckett was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony 2nd-Degree Arson, Reckless Burning and 1st-Degree Criminal Trespass. He was being held without any scheduled bail.