Explosion in Ashland Leads to Arrest
Suspect Faces Arson and Explosives Charges
ASHLAND, Ore. — A pre-dawn explosion in Ashland Wednesday led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man facing multiple felony charges, according to the Ashland Police Department.
At approximately 4:43 a.m. on March 25, officers with the Ashland Police Department, along with Ashland Fire & Rescue and the Talent Police Department, responded to the 300 block of Morton after reports of a loud explosion.
Investigators determined that an explosive device had been detonated inside a parked, unoccupied vehicle. Officers also observed what appeared to be a potential secondary device inside the vehicle, prompting authorities to secure the area and advise nearby residents to shelter in place.
Bomb disposal technicians from the Oregon State Police responded and later confirmed there was no additional threat of explosion.
Evidence collected at the scene identified a known suspect who was already the focus of investigations by the Medford Police Department and wanted on outstanding charges.
Ashland police were joined in the investigation by the Oregon State Police, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, Medford Police Department, United States Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Detectives located the suspect at a residence in the 100 block of Fork Street in Ashland and took him into custody.
Police identified the suspect as Michael Scott Beugli, 32, of Ashland.
Beugli was charged with:
Arson in the First Degree
Arson in the Second Degree
Unlawful Possession of a Destructive Device
Unlawful Manufacture of a Destructive Device
Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
Reckless Endangering
Reckless Burning
He was lodged at the Jackson County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.
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