GP Police Arrested Suspect in Railroad Crossing Incident after Foot Pursuit
Officers with the Grants Pass Police Department arrested a man following a disorderly conduct complaint at the railroad crossing on NW Booth Street.
The lights were flashing at the crossing and the bars were down, but one caller reported to dispatch Sunday around 6:14 p.m. that five minutes had passed, and no trains were coming through. Another caller reported a man was yelling and was throwing items at vehicles behind the malfunctioning crossing arms.
Law enforcement responded, and the suspect, Russell Thompson, was observed walking westbound on the tracks. The officer attempted to contact him behind Foundry Village, but Thompson was uncooperative, continuing to walk on the tracks.
He was advised he was under arrest for First Degree Trespass, after which he fled on foot. The officer pursued until Thompson hopped in the passenger side of a running vehicle, locking himself inside. The driver of the vehicle was contacted by officers, and complied with commands to exit the vehicle.
Additional units arrived and pinched the vehicle. Thompson eventually vacated following commands from officers. He was then promptly taken into custody with no further incident.
Officers transported and lodged Thompson in the Josephine County Jail for his criminal trespass charge and Third Degree Escape. The malfunctioning Booth Street railroad signals were fixed.
Posted on 4/13/26 1:31PM by Alex Bauer
