BOMB THREAT SUSPECT ARRESTED IN GRANTS PASS

Grants Pass Police Department

Grants Pass, Ore. - Over the weekend, the Grants Pass Police Department received information about a possible bomb threat targeting the Grants Pass area. Detectives assumed the investigation and determined that 19-year-old Erik Pederson had made the threats. Erik Pederson was apprehended by police on May 16, 2022. During the investigation and apprehension of Erik Pederson, detectives also discovered other incidents that resulted in a search warrant being granted for Erik Pederson’s residence. Inside the residence police located evidence of animal abuse, chemicals, recipes for destructive devices, and equipment necessary for creating destructive devices. 

Erik Pederson was arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail. The charges against Erik Pederson include Menacing, Strangulation, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree (4 counts), and Attempted Manufacture of a Destructive Device. 

There is no ongoing threat to the community regarding this investigation. The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank the citizens who assisted in protecting our community and would also like to encourage the reporting of concerning behaviors, such as animal abuse and violence, as they can be indicators of escalating dangers. Anyone having further information regarding this subject and his activities involving chemicals or explosives is asked to call the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260.