Earlier in the month, two individuals were captured on surveillance footage breaking into an Oregon Department of Forestry lookout tower in the Prospect area on Sunday, August 14th. The thieves were observed stealing batteries and solar panels used to power the lookout tower’s fire detection camera, leaving the camera no longer operational, and taking away the opportunity for early fire detection.
Just two days later, an anonymous tip led to the arrest of one of the two individuals captured on surveillance footage breaking into an Oregon Department of Forestry lookout tower, however, the additional suspect shown in the surveillance footage has not yet been identified and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to actively work to identify the additional suspect by analyzing latent prints and submitting DNA.
Jackson County Sheriff’s detectives arrested the suspect, later identified as 30 year old Chad Allen McPherson of Prospect, during a traffic stop after receiving a tip and matching his photos to the surveillance footage. After searching his vehicle, detectives discovered burglary tools.
During a search warrant of his property in Prospect, detectives found a restricted weapon he was prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon as well as a black-market marijuana grow on the property.
Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team detectives served a search warrant and destroyed 256 cannabis plants and 300 lbs. of processed black-market marijuana on the property. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location.
Dispatch later received a call about a duffel bag at the intersection of 1st Street and Highway 62 with a note which read “call the cops.” Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies retrieved the bag and it contained items matching that of the stolen Oregon Department of Forestry equipment, however, the solar panels and batteries are still missing.
The suspect, Chad Allen McPherson, was indicted and charged with second-degree burglary, first-degree theft, first-degree criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools, and felon in possession of a restricted weapon. McPherson is lodged in the Jackson County Jail and due to a parole violation for felon in possession of a firearm is not eligible for pre-trial release.
