ASHLAND, Ore. (Mar. 25, 2026) — A pre-dawn explosion in an Ashland neighborhood Wednesday led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man on multiple felony charges, authorities said.
At about 4:43 a.m. on March 25, officers with the Ashland Police Department, along with Ashland Fire & Rescue and the Talent Police Department, responded to the 300 block of Morton Street after reports of a loud explosion.
Investigators determined that an explosive device had been detonated inside a parked, unoccupied vehicle. Officers at the scene also identified what appeared to be a potential secondary device inside the vehicle, prompting authorities to secure the area and advise nearby residents to shelter in place.
Bomb disposal technicians with the Oregon State Police later arrived and determined there was no additional threat to the public.
Authorities said evidence collected at the scene pointed to a known suspect who was already under investigation by the Medford Police Department and wanted on outstanding charges.
A multi-agency investigation involving state, county and federal partners — including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — led detectives to a residence in the 100 block of Fork Street, where the suspect was taken into custody.
Police identified the suspect as Michael Scott Beugli, 32, of Ashland.
Beugli faces multiple charges, including first- and second-degree arson, unlawful possession and manufacture of a destructive device, first-degree criminal mischief, reckless endangering and reckless burning. He was lodged at the Jackson County Jail.
No injuries were reported in the incident. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as additional evidence is collected.
All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
Discover more from Medford Alert News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
