Oregon State Police (OSP) Criminal Investigations Division detectives are continuing the investigation into the death Tuesday morning of an adult male during a reported burglary in progress at a business south of Grants Pass. Detectives confirmed on Wednesday the deceased man’s identity as JASEN ROBERT LEWIS, age 33, from Grants Pass. LEWIS was wanted on outstanding arrest warrants including a felony warrant for Fail to Appear – Dangerous Drugs issued out of Josephine County Circuit Court dated January 13, 2014. An autopsy is pending to confirm the cause and manner of his death. During the ongoing investigation OSP detectives learned a large amount of property was stolen from the business during the burglary, most of which has been recovered including power tools, hand tools, and accessories. Detectives have identified a second person of interest as being involved in the burglary before LEWIS died following a brief physical scuffle with two men who arrived at the business. On January 21, 2014 at approximately 7:10 a.m., OSP Southern Command Center dispatch received a transferred 9-1-1 call of an interrupted burglary in progress at Innovative Woodworx LLC located at 2245 Harbeck Road south of Grants Pass. An employee was being dropped off by his father when they saw signs of forced entry into the building. Both individuals went inside to inspect the interior and they encountered an unknown male subject inside. A brief physical scuffle ensued between the men before the employee and his father detained the man and notified police. A few minutes later, another call was received from the business advising the detained man stopped breathing and they were going to start CPR. About ten minutes later, after OSP and medical personnel arrived on scene, LEWIS was pronounced deceased. Autopsy findings to confirm the cause of death are still pending.
