Barricade Incident Ends in Fire, Suspect Arrested in Ashland
Man allegedly armed with axe, claimed explosives before setting vacant home ablaze
ASHLAND, Ore. — A barricade incident at a vacant home in Ashland ended Saturday with a fire, burn injuries, and an arrest after authorities say a suspect threatened explosives and refused to leave the property.
According to the Ashland Police Department, officers were dispatched March 28 to a vacant residence in the 100 block of Church Street for a report of a trespasser inside. When officers arrived, they contacted a man armed with an axe who refused to exit the home.
Police said the suspect claimed he was also armed with firearms and explosives, and told officers he would only leave if fatal force were used. Authorities reported the man also threatened to ignite explosives and set the residence on fire if removed.
Ashland Police requested assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. Negotiators continued communicating with the suspect while officers applied for and obtained a search warrant.
Due to the ongoing threats involving explosives and the potential danger to the surrounding neighborhood, SWAT members initiated contact with the suspect at approximately 5:00 p.m., officials said.
During that contact, the suspect allegedly used accelerants to set the house on fire. Authorities said the man then exited onto the roof of the structure, where SWAT members used a ladder to reach him and take him into custody.
Ashland Fire & Rescue crews were already staged nearby and quickly worked to extinguish the fire. However, officials said the home sustained heavy damage due to the accelerants used.
The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Fedish Llewellyn Ford, described by authorities as a California transient, sustained significant burn injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Police said he remains in custody under guard and will be lodged at the Jackson County Jail after his release.
Ford faces charges of first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, second-degree trespass, and first-degree criminal mischief.
Ashland Police were assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Fire & Rescue, Talent Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
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