SWAT Team Activated to Arrest Grants Pass Armed Robbery Suspects

Grants Pass, Oregon – Authorities have made significant progress in the investigation into a series of armed robberies targeting local businesses.

The string of incidents began on May 21, 2023, when officers from the Grants Pass Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Lucky Duck convenience store located on Redwood Avenue. During the incident, a male suspect wielding a firearm demanded money from a store employee before fleeing the scene in a vehicle driven by an accomplice. The stolen amount, classified as a felony-level theft, has not been disclosed.

Following the initial robbery, detectives from the Grants Pass Police Department intensified their efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects. Two days later, on May 22, 2023, another armed robbery occurred at a different Lucky Duck location on NW 6th Street. Once again, the same suspect, accompanied by an additional individual, carried out the robbery at gunpoint before escaping in a black GMC Yukon driven by a third party. As with the previous incident, the stolen amount has not been disclosed.

The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the Grants Pass Police Department, Oregon State Police, Rogue Area Drug Enforcement, Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Agency, proved instrumental in advancing the investigation. Through the cooperation of local business owners in sharing surveillance footage and the utilization of advanced technological resources, authorities were able to trace the suspects’ movements following the crimes.

In a decisive breakthrough, a Grants Pass Police K-9 officer located the suspect vehicle in the area of West Park in the early hours of May 24, 2024. Subsequent investigation led to the apprehension of multiple suspects.

Michael Smith, 28, and Stephen Newell, 45, both residents of Grants Pass, were taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail. Smith faces charges of Robbery in the First Degree, while Newell faces multiple charges, including Robbery in the First Degree (x2), Theft in the First Degree (x2), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (x2), and Menacing (x2). Additionally, Seryne Martin, 24, was lodged for Tampering with Evidence. Further charges are pending as the investigation progresses.

The execution of a search warrant in the 1400 block of SW David Drive was carried out by the Grants Pass Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) due to the severity of the charges. Grants Pass Police negotiators, dispatch, fire/rescue personnel, and other agencies provided critical support during the operation.

Authorities urge anyone with additional information related to these incidents to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.