GRANTS PASS, Ore. — A man was arrested Friday morning after allegedly confronting officers securing the Boatnik Parade route in Grants Pass and making statements that raised concerns about public safety, according to the Grants Pass Police Department.
Police said the incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. on May 23 near the intersection of Northeast Sixth and A streets, where officers were setting up barricades ahead of the annual parade festivities.
Authorities identified the man as 59-year-old Sean Washburn. Officers said Washburn displayed strong hostility toward the parade and made additional concerning statements before driving away recklessly from the area.
Because of the nature of the statements, officers coordinating parade security immediately began working with patrol units to locate Washburn, police said. Officials described locating him as the “single most important task” at that moment.
Within minutes, officers located Washburn’s vehicle several blocks away. He was later found walking toward the parade route near Southeast Fourth and J streets, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Grants Pass Police detectives responded to assist with the investigation. Washburn was lodged in jail on charges of reckless driving and disorderly conduct.
Investigators later determined there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Police said extensive planning and coordination had taken place ahead of the Boatnik Parade involving the Active Club, Grants Pass Fire/Rescue, and other community partners to ensure the event remained safe for attendees.
The Grants Pass Police Department also thanked the Medford Police Department for assisting with the arrest and parade route security.
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