Armed Suspect Allegedly Sets Ashland Home on Fire Before Surrendering to SWAT

ASHLAND, Ore. (Mar, 29, 2026) — A man accused of trespassing in a vacant Ashland home and threatening to use explosives was taken into custody Saturday after setting the residence on fire and climbing onto the roof, according to police.

Officers with the Ashland Police Department were dispatched around March 28 to a vacant home in the 100 block of Church Street following a report of a trespasser inside. Upon arrival, officers encountered a man armed with an axe who refused to exit the property, authorities said.

The suspect told officers he was also armed with firearms and explosives and claimed he would only leave if deadly force were used. He additionally threatened to ignite the home using explosives if law enforcement attempted to remove him, police said.

Due to the escalating situation, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and negotiators were called to assist. Officers and crisis negotiators spent several hours attempting to persuade the man to surrender peacefully while a search warrant for the property was obtained.

Authorities said that around 5 p.m., as SWAT personnel moved in to make contact, the suspect used accelerants to intentionally set the home on fire. He then climbed onto the roof, where SWAT members used a ladder to reach him and take him into custody.

Fire crews from Ashland Fire & Rescue, who had been staged nearby, quickly responded to extinguish the blaze. Despite the rapid response, the home sustained heavy damage due to the intensity of the fire, officials said.

The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Fedish Llewellyn Ford, described as a transient from California, suffered significant burn injuries during the incident. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remains under guard. Police said he will be lodged at the Jackson County Jail upon his release.

Ford faces multiple charges, including first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, second-degree trespass and first-degree criminal mischief.

Authorities said additional assistance was provided by the Talent and Phoenix police departments, the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, and other regional emergency responders. Officials emphasized the coordinated response helped bring the incident to a resolution without further injury to the public.