Ashland Police Arrest Man for Strong-Armed Robbery on a Female Motorist

By Lucille McNamara On Jul 29, 2026 Last updated Jul 29, 2026

ASHLAND, Ore. — The Ashland Police Department has arrested a 39-year-old man from Grants Pass following a strong-armed robbery, in which a woman was pulled from her vehicle and her purse was stolen, on Monday evening.

Michael Scott Todnem was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges of third-degree robbery and theft, the unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle, fourth-degree assault, and second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct.

Tidings Insight

Third degree robbery applies when physical force is used or threatened during a theft. Oregon classifies it as a Class C felony, even when no weapon is involved.

The incident occurred at 6.55 p.m. in a parking lot behind a local business in the 2300 block of Ashland Street. According to eye-witnesses, a man pulled a woman from a vehicle and stole her purse before fleeing the scene across an open field toward Interstate 5.

An investigation by Ashland and Talent police officers led to the arrest of the suspect, who was walking northbound on I-5 near mile marker 15.5.

Retracing his footsteps, police officers recovered some of the stolen property.

Video surveillance footage enabled the police to identify Todnem as the suspect.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Ashland Police Department at 541-482-5211.