Local News

Grants Pass Police officers, along with the help of a 911 caller, apprehended a man trespassing at New Song Christian Fellowship early this morning.

The owner of the property at 111 NE Evelyn Avenue reported to law enforcement around 12:40 a.m. that the suspect was observed via security cameras entering the building. Nothing was seen in the suspect's hands, and the owner wanted to pursue charges.

Officers were permitted to enter the building as the owner continued using cameras to keep track of the suspect's whereabouts. K-9 Units were announced as law enforcement created a perimeter. An entry team formed on the east side of the building.

The suspect ultimately exited the building on the west side where perimeter units took him into custody without incident. The owner requested the building be cleared of any other possible intruders. No other suspects were located.

The suspect, Michael Hood, advised officers that a man in a black truck, whom he reportedly did not know, told him Monday to break into the church and "boost" items, leaving them outside for the man to take later.

Hood didn't have any church items on his person, and officers learned he entered the building through an open bathroom window. Hood was subsequently lodged at the Josephine County Jail on a charge of Burglary in the Second Degree.