Teen Arrested After Bomb Threat on Multiple Charges Including Aggravated Animal Abuse

The Grants Pass Police Department received information about a possible bomb threat over the past weekend, targeting the Grants Pass area. An investigation into the information immediately initiated by Detectives and it was determined that 19 year old Erik Pederson had made the threats.

Erik Pederson was apprehended by police on Monday, May 16th, and during the investigation and apprehension of Erik Pederson, detectives also discovered other incidents that resulted in a search warrant being granted for Erik Pederson’s residence. Inside the residence police located evidence of animal abuse, chemicals, recipes for destructive devices, and equipment necessary for creating destructive devices.

Erik Pederson was arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail. The charges against Erik Pederson include Menacing, Strangulation, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, 4 counts of Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree, and Attempted Manufacture of a Destructive Device.

There is no ongoing threat to the community regarding this investigation and anyone having further information regarding this subject and his activities involving chemicals or explosives is asked to call the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260.