Ashland Police Arrest Man After Strong-Arm Robbery
Police said the suspect stole the woman’s purse and may have also intended to take her vehicle.
Arrest Details
Suspect: Michael Scott Todnem, 39, of Grants Pass
Arrested: July 27, 2026
Booked into: Jackson County Jail
Charges:
- Robbery III
- Theft III
- Assault IV
- Disorderly Conduct II
- Harassment
- Unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle
Custody status: Remained lodged when Ashland police issued the release Tuesday.
ASHLAND, Ore. — A Grants Pass man was arrested Monday evening after police said he pulled a woman from a car and stole her purse in a parking area behind an Ashland business.
Ashland police responded at about 6:55 p.m. to the 2300 block of Ashland Street after witnesses reported a strong-arm robbery.
Police said the man fled through an open field toward Interstate 5. Ashland officers, assisted by the Talent Police Department, found him walking north along I-5 near mile marker 15.5.
Officers later retraced the suspect’s path and recovered some of the stolen property. Police said video evidence also supported the charges.
Investigators believe the man may have intended to steal the woman’s car as well.
The victim did not report any injuries.
Police identified the suspect as Michael Scott Todnem, 39, of Grants Pass. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on charges of third-degree robbery, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, fourth-degree assault, harassment, third-degree theft and second-degree disorderly conduct.
Todnem remained in jail when the department issued its release Tuesday.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call the Ashland Police Department at 541-482-5211.
Cover Image: file photo, Ashland Police Department.
