Two Arrested After Ashland Armed Robbery

Ashland, Oregon- On the evening of May 11, 2024, at approximately 9:56 p.m., Ashland Police Department officers responded to a reported armed robbery near the intersection of Walker Avenue and East Main Street. According to reports, an adult male was accosted while walking home from work by two individuals. One of the suspects brandished a handgun, threatening the victim and demanding his belongings.

The victim complied, relinquishing his property to the suspects, who then fled the scene on foot. Seeking assistance, the victim approached a nearby residence and promptly alerted the authorities.

Subsequently, detectives from the APD Criminal Investigations Division mobilized and traced the suspects to a residence within the 200 block of Tolman Creek Road in Ashland.

The investigative efforts continued into the following day, May 12, 2024, when one of the suspects, identified as Cluff, was observed leaving the aforementioned Tolman Creek residence and visiting local establishments. Coordinated units from the Ashland Police Department, supported by the Talent Police Department, intercepted Cluff’s vehicle upon its arrival at the Albertsons parking lot around 10:44 a.m. A carefully executed high-risk traffic stop was conducted, resulting in Cluff’s apprehension without further incident.

Shortly thereafter, authorities detained the second suspect at the Tolman Creek residence. Detectives then secured a search warrant for the premises, which upon execution yielded crucial evidence linked to the robbery.

The apprehended suspects have been identified as Cole Matthews , 18, of Medford, and Seth Cluff, 24, of Ashland. Both individuals were lodged in custody on multiple charges, including Menacing, Theft 2nd Degree, Robbery 1st Degree, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery 1st Degree. As of the latest update, both remain in custody.

Investigative findings suggest that this incident was a targeted act rather than a random occurrence. The Ashland Police Department continues to urge anyone with additional information regarding this case to come forward.