Grants Pass Man Arrested After Concerning Comments Near Boatnik Parade Route

By Diane Megaw On May 24, 2026

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — 59-year-old Sean Washburn was arrested yesterday after making concerning comments to Grants Pass Police Officers setting up barricades to secure the Boatnik Parade route.

Grants Pass police took measures to protect the public, holding numerous meetings with the Active Club, Grants Pass Fire/Rescue, and all other stakeholders in the lead-up to the parade. Their goal was to have a safe and fun community event.

Tidings Insight

For a parade route, police treat alarming statements differently because crowds, barricades and limited traffic access can raise the risk even before a specific threat is confirmed.

At about 9:15 AM, Washburn, at the corner of NE 6th and NE A Street, showed strong hostility toward the parade and made other concerning statements before driving away recklessly.

Coordinating with patrol officers, police found Washburn several minutes later, walking toward the parade in the area of SE 4th and SE J Street.

Washburn’s statements had caused alarm, and he was immediately taken into custody and lodged at the jail on charges of Reckless Driving and Disorderly Conduct. Medford Police assisted, and Grants Pass Police Detectives are investigating.

Tidings Insight

The charges reflect conduct officers say happened before the arrest: reckless driving after the encounter and public alarm tied to the parade route.