A man has been taken into custody after an early morning explosion involving a vehicle in Ashland, prompting a temporary lockdown in a residential neighborhood.
Explosion Reported Before Dawn
Police say the incident occurred shortly before 5 a.m. Wednesday on Morton Street, where officers responding to a loud blast discovered that an explosive device had detonated inside a parked, unoccupied vehicle.
No injuries were reported.
Street Locked Down Over Safety Concerns
While investigating the scene, officers believed there might be a second explosive device inside the vehicle. Authorities quickly secured the area and instructed nearby residents to shelter in place as a precaution.
Bomb specialists from Oregon State Police were called in and later confirmed there was no additional threat.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Investigators linked evidence from the scene to Michael Scott Beugli, 32, who was subsequently arrested.
He now faces multiple charges, including:
- Arson
- Unlawful possession of a destructive device
- Criminal mischief
- Reckless endangerment
Previous Cases and Custody Status
Authorities noted that Beugli had pending cases involving harassment and methamphetamine possession at the time of his arrest.
He is currently being held at the Jackson County Jail as the investigation continues.
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