GRANTS PASS, Ore. —
UPDATE: Two suspects are now in custody in connection with the roughly 50 cases of pumpkin-related vandalism reported in Grants Pass over the past month, according to the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety (GPDPS). Investigators now believe that the suspects used both pumpkins and a baseball bat to smash car windows.
Detectives began working on the "complex investigation" last week, and reportedly received tips that would lead them to the vehicle used during at least some of the crimes.
GPDPS said that detectives were able to find the vehicle, linking it to 19-year-old Jacob Solomon. After finding and arresting Solomon, detectives later identified 19-year-old Adrian Ochoa as being involved in the crime spree as well.
"Ochoa came to the Grants Pass Police Department where he was interviewed by detectives," GPDPS said. He would then be arrested and brought to the Josephine County Jail to join Solomon.
Both men face multiple counts of Criminal Mischief 1 and Criminal Mischief 2. GPDPS said that more charges will be forwarded to the District Attorney's office once there has been a full review of the incidents.
"Grants Pass Detective Unit expect more victims to come forward. Grants Pass Detective Unit want to express our thanks from our citizens who provided information to help with the investigation," GPDPS said.
Anyone with further information on this matter is encouraged to contact the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety at 541-450-6260.
(Updated 10/29/18 at 5:30 p.m.)
INITIAL REPORT: Throughout the month of October, vandals have been using pumpkins to damage vehicles around Grants Pass, according to the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety (GPDPS).
The first reports of pumpkin vandalism began on October 7 and continued through October 23, according to GPDPS. Authorities have received "nearly 50 complaints of vandalism to vehicles" since the incidents began.
Most of the incidents have occurred late in the evening or early in the morning hours. GPDPS believes that the vandals have been throwing whole pumpkins at car windows — often breaking through them. Some of the vehicles are believed to have been damaged by other, "unknown objects."
GPDPS believe that the suspects are driving around in a late 90s or early 2000s Buick Century Regal or a similar model. They think that it is tan or gold in color, with a large "round-shaped dent" on the passenger side rear quarter panel. The wheels are "actual rims," not hub caps, and are star-shaped.
Authorities are offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects responsible.
