On March 25, 2026 at 4:43 a.m. members of the Ashland Police Department, Ashland Fire & Rescue and the Talent Police Department responded to the area of the 300 block of Morton to investigate a loud explosion. The investigation led officers to find that an explosive device had been detonated inside of a parked and unoccupied vehicle. Officers spotted what was thought to be a potential secondary explosive device in the vehicle. The area was secured with neighbors being advised to shelter in place. Bomb disposal techs from the Oregon State Police Department arrived on scene to assist, and verified that there was no further threat of explosion in the area.
Evidence collected on scene indicated that the crime was committed by a known subject, who had also been the focus of investigations by the Medford Police Department, and who was already wanted on outstanding charges stemming from the MPD investigation.
APD was joined in the investigation by the Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, the Medford Police Department, the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms.
Detectives were quick to locate the suspect at a residence in the 100 block of Fork Street in Ashland and took him into custody.
The investigation continues with additional evidence being collected.
The arrested suspect is Michael Scott Beugli, 32 years old, resident of Ashland.
Beugli was charged with Arson 1st Degree, Arson 2nd Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Destructive Device, Unlawful Manufacture of a Destructive Device, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Reckless Endangering and Reckless Burning.
The suspect was lodged at the Jackson County Jail.
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