A resident across the Rogue River from Riverside Park in Grants Pass, reported to 911 8:45am, Monday morning, April 4th, that a male along the riverbank, across from the park, was yelling and shooting a rifle.
While Police coordinated their response to ensure a perimeter of safety was established, the 911 dispatcher could hear gunfire while on the phone with the witness as officers converged on Riverside Park.
Officers evacuated occupied tents as they continued searching for the gunman before the suspect was located and contacted by police near the Vista Street boat ramp, and when confronted by police, the gunman, later identified as 38 year old Tyler Watsabaugh surrendered.
Watsabaugh was taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail. Officers were able to confirm that Watsabaugh fired at least three shots, and subsequently has been charged with three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Disorderly Conduct.
Nobody was injured during the incident at the park, despite it being occupied by citizens and park employees. This incident appears to be random, and there is no evidence of a continued threat of harm to the public.
