Strong-Armed Robbery Leads To Arrest - 07/28/26
On July 28, 2026 at approximately 6:55 p.m. officers from the Ashland Police Department responded to area of the 2300 block of Ashland Street, a parking area behind a local business, for a report of a strong-armed robbery that just occurred.
Witnesses reported that a man pulled a female victim from a car and stolen her purse. The man reportedly fled the scene through an open field toward Interstate 5.
Ashland officers, assisted by the Talent Police Department, arrived on scene and began looking for the suspect. The suspect was quickly located walking northbound on I-5 near mile marker 15.5.
The investigation led to the arrest of the suspect on the charges noted below.
Officer retraced the path of the fleeing suspect, finding some of the stolen property.
Further investigation indicated that the suspect likely intended to steal the victim’s car as well.
The victim did not report being injured.
Officers were able to obtain video evidence in support of the charges.
The suspect is identified as Michael Scott Todnem, 39, of Grants Pass.
Todnem was lodged at the JCJ on charges of Robbery 3rd Degree, Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle, Assault 4th Degree, Harassment, Theft 3rd Degree and Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree.
Todnem remains lodged as of this release.
Any additional witnesses are asked to call the Ashland Police Department at 541-482-5211.