Case Update: 2026-00029322
- 08/31/26
On August 26, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., officers from the Grants Pass Police Department were dispatched to a report of a physical disturbance near the Anne Basker Auditorium in the 600 block of Sixth Street. It was reported that individuals were physically fighting in the street. Upon initial investigation, officers found that two adult males had been involved in an altercation; however, statements from the involved parties and witnesses were inconsistent.
A citizen video showing a portion of the incident was circulated online and reviewed by officers. Knowing that additional videos might exist that captured the full altercation, no arrests were made that day pending a thorough investigation.
After obtaining and reviewing additional video evidence, officers were able to assess the entire incident. Based on this review, probable cause was established for the arrest of both men on charges of harassment and disorderly conduct. David T. Haury (39) of Grants Pass and Edgar M. Pelfrey (62) of Grants Pass were arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on August 31, 2026.
This incident occurred during a protest event and involved individuals with opposing viewpoints, contributing to a highly charged atmosphere. The Grants Pass Police Department appreciates the community’s patience as officers worked to gather all available information and fully understand what occurred prior to making an arrest.
No further information will be released at this time.
Case Update: 2026-00029322
- 08/31/26
On August 26, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., officers from the Grants Pass Police Department were dispatched to a report of a physical disturbance near the Anne Basker Auditorium in the 600 block of Sixth Street. It was reported that individuals were physically fighting in the street. Upon initial investigation, officers found that two adult males had been involved in an altercation; however, statements from the involved parties and witnesses were inconsistent.
A citizen video showing a portion of the incident was circulated online and reviewed by officers. Knowing that additional videos might exist that captured the full altercation, no arrests were made that day pending a thorough investigation.
After obtaining and reviewing additional video evidence, officers were able to assess the entire incident. Based on this review, probable cause was established for the arrest of both men on charges of harassment and disorderly conduct. David T. Haury (39) of Grants Pass and Edgar M. Pelfrey (62) of Grants Pass were arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on August 31, 2026.
This incident occurred during a protest event and involved individuals with opposing viewpoints, contributing to a highly charged atmosphere. The Grants Pass Police Department appreciates the community’s patience as officers worked to gather all available information and fully understand what occurred prior to making an arrest.
No further information will be released at this time.
Grants Pass Police Arrest Two Suspects For Serious Assault
- 08/18/26
On Saturday, August 15, 2026, shortly after 3:30 a.m., Grants Pass Police received a report of a physical fight involving several people in the 800 block of NE A Street. Grants Pass Police officers responded to the area to investigate. Officers learned that two victims had sustained injuries after being struck with a crowbar and were requesting medical assistance. Grants Pass Police detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation.
During the initial response, officers developed probable cause to arrest two Grants Pass residents: Samantha Fillmore (30) and Jeremy Whelchel (45). Fillmore was taken into custody without incident. Whelchel was believed to be hiding in a nearby apartment. Officers maintained containment of the apartment until a search warrant was obtained and executed several hours later.
Upon serving the warrant, officers located Whelchel inside the residence and took him into custody. Both Fillmore and Whelchel were lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of Assault II, Assault III, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Grants Pass Police Arrest Two Suspects For Serious Assault
- 08/18/26
On Saturday, August 15, 2026, shortly after 3:30 a.m., Grants Pass Police received a report of a physical fight involving several people in the 800 block of NE A Street. Grants Pass Police officers responded to the area to investigate. Officers learned that two victims had sustained injuries after being struck with a crowbar and were requesting medical assistance. Grants Pass Police detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation.
During the initial response, officers developed probable cause to arrest two Grants Pass residents: Samantha Fillmore (30) and Jeremy Whelchel (45). Fillmore was taken into custody without incident. Whelchel was believed to be hiding in a nearby apartment. Officers maintained containment of the apartment until a search warrant was obtained and executed several hours later.
Upon serving the warrant, officers located Whelchel inside the residence and took him into custody. Both Fillmore and Whelchel were lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of Assault II, Assault III, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Assault Suspect 26-27750
- 08/14/26
*Case Update*
On August 14, 2026, at approximately 6:40 PM, Michael Cutts was arrested without incident, less than 24 hours after he was determined to be a person of interest in a major assault that left a victim hospitalized on August 13, 2026. The timeline for this arrest was shortened significantly thanks in large part to ALPR technology and strong partnerships with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners and all the community members who took an interest in this case.
Michael Cutts was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on multiple charges, including Assault II, Burglary I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Contempt of Court.
On August 13, 2026, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Grants Pass 911 received an emergency call reporting a major assault that occurred on Southridge Way in Grants Pass. A male victim was reported to be seriously injured and was transported to Three Rivers Community Hospital. Patrol officers and Major Crimes detectives from the Grants Pass Police Department responded to both the scene and the hospital.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are attempting to contact Michael Brinen Cutts (40) for questioning.
The Grants Pass Police Department is seeking assistance from community members who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Cutts. Please contact the Grants Pass Police Department and request to speak with a detective regarding case number 2026-00027750.
Assault Suspect 26-27750
- 08/14/26
*Case Update*
On August 14, 2026, at approximately 6:40 PM, Michael Cutts was arrested without incident, less than 24 hours after he was determined to be a person of interest in a major assault that left a victim hospitalized on August 13, 2026. The timeline for this arrest was shortened significantly thanks in large part to ALPR technology and strong partnerships with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners and all the community members who took an interest in this case.
Michael Cutts was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on multiple charges, including Assault II, Burglary I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Contempt of Court.
On August 13, 2026, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Grants Pass 911 received an emergency call reporting a major assault that occurred on Southridge Way in Grants Pass. A male victim was reported to be seriously injured and was transported to Three Rivers Community Hospital. Patrol officers and Major Crimes detectives from the Grants Pass Police Department responded to both the scene and the hospital.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are attempting to contact Michael Brinen Cutts (40) for questioning.
The Grants Pass Police Department is seeking assistance from community members who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Cutts. Please contact the Grants Pass Police Department and request to speak with a detective regarding case number 2026-00027750.
Officer Involved Shooting
- 08/07/26
On August 7, 2026, at approximately 7:09 a.m., Grants Pass Police officers responded to the 1600 block of NE 6th Street following reports of a male attempting to break into a vehicle.
During the incident, the suspect displayed a firearm. He then struck the victim’s head with the body of the gun, commonly called “pistol whipping.” After the confrontation, the suspect fled on foot, running south on NE 7th Street.
While en route to the original scene on 6th Street, responding patrol officers observed a male matching the suspect's description on Midland Avenue, just west of NE 7th Street. The officers were operating clearly marked Grants Pass Police patrol vehicles, and each officer was wearing a standard Grants Pass Police uniform with "POLICE" clearly displayed on the front of the uniform.
During the encounter, the suspect pointed a firearm at the officers. Faced with what they perceived to be an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury, three officers discharged their duty firearms.
The officers' use of deadly force was in response to the immediate threat posed by the armed suspect. At the time of the encounter, the officers were also attempting to prevent the suspect from causing further harm to members of the public following the reported armed assault that had occurred moments earlier.
Immediately following the use of force, the involved patrol officers rendered emergency medical aid to the suspect, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Officers continued providing care until relieved by American Medical Response and Grants Pass Fire/Rescue.
The suspect was transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center for medical treatment. He continues to receive medical care at the time of this release.
Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit detectives and Josephine County Sheriff's Office patrol deputies responded to the scene to secure the area, confirm that no other individuals had been injured, and preserve evidence pending the arrival of independent law enforcement investigators. All the officers with our Department are safe and physically uninjured.
The investigation into this officer-involved shooting has been assigned to the Oregon State Police. The Oregon State Police are being assisted by the Josephine County District Attorney's Office, detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, and the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division.
Investigators are working to identify the suspect.
The Oregon State Police are conducting an independent investigation into this officer-involved shooting to ensure a thorough and transparent review of the incident. The Grants Pass Police Department is committed to maintaining public trust and accountability and believes an independent investigation is essential to providing the community with an objective assessment of the facts and the officers' actions under Oregon law.
The Grants Pass Police Department appreciates the public's patience and cooperation in avoiding the area during the investigation. The incident required significant road closures and affected access to nearby businesses while investigators processed the scene.
Further information regarding this incident will be provided by the Oregon State Police and the Josephine County District Attorney's Office as the investigation progresses and additional details can be released.
Officer Involved Shooting
- 08/07/26
On August 7, 2026, at approximately 7:09 a.m., Grants Pass Police officers responded to the 1600 block of NE 6th Street following reports of a male attempting to break into a vehicle.
During the incident, the suspect displayed a firearm. He then struck the victim’s head with the body of the gun, commonly called “pistol whipping.” After the confrontation, the suspect fled on foot, running south on NE 7th Street.
While en route to the original scene on 6th Street, responding patrol officers observed a male matching the suspect's description on Midland Avenue, just west of NE 7th Street. The officers were operating clearly marked Grants Pass Police patrol vehicles, and each officer was wearing a standard Grants Pass Police uniform with "POLICE" clearly displayed on the front of the uniform.
During the encounter, the suspect pointed a firearm at the officers. Faced with what they perceived to be an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury, three officers discharged their duty firearms.
The officers' use of deadly force was in response to the immediate threat posed by the armed suspect. At the time of the encounter, the officers were also attempting to prevent the suspect from causing further harm to members of the public following the reported armed assault that had occurred moments earlier.
Immediately following the use of force, the involved patrol officers rendered emergency medical aid to the suspect, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Officers continued providing care until relieved by American Medical Response and Grants Pass Fire/Rescue.
The suspect was transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center for medical treatment. He continues to receive medical care at the time of this release.
Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit detectives and Josephine County Sheriff's Office patrol deputies responded to the scene to secure the area, confirm that no other individuals had been injured, and preserve evidence pending the arrival of independent law enforcement investigators. All the officers with our Department are safe and physically uninjured.
The investigation into this officer-involved shooting has been assigned to the Oregon State Police. The Oregon State Police are being assisted by the Josephine County District Attorney's Office, detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, and the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division.
Investigators are working to identify the suspect.
The Oregon State Police are conducting an independent investigation into this officer-involved shooting to ensure a thorough and transparent review of the incident. The Grants Pass Police Department is committed to maintaining public trust and accountability and believes an independent investigation is essential to providing the community with an objective assessment of the facts and the officers' actions under Oregon law.
The Grants Pass Police Department appreciates the public's patience and cooperation in avoiding the area during the investigation. The incident required significant road closures and affected access to nearby businesses while investigators processed the scene.
Further information regarding this incident will be provided by the Oregon State Police and the Josephine County District Attorney's Office as the investigation progresses and additional details can be released.
