ASHLAND, Ore. – A 34-year-old Ashland man, James David Lee Hergett, is currently in the Jackson County Jail following a series of violent incidents this month that left multiple individuals injured and led to several serious charges. Hergett was indicted by the Jackson County Grand Jury on Thursday, facing a slew of charges including first- and second-degree kidnapping, coercion with a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, menacing domestic violence, second-degree attempted assault, harassment, and first- and third-degree sex abuse.
The first incident occurred on April 8, when the Ashland Police Department (APD) received a report alleging that Hergett had held a man captive for 48 hours, assaulting him with firearms during the ordeal. APD initially delayed their response to the report, citing concerns about the potential danger posed to the community due to the known presence of multiple firearms at Hergett’s residence.
On April 12, a second report came in, this time accusing Hergett of vandalizing property in downtown Ashland. The situation quickly escalated as Hergett reportedly assaulted several individuals while fleeing the scene. Police officers attempted to apprehend him, but he evaded capture by running on foot. Hergett then sought to enter a nearby home, where he allegedly assaulted the resident before engaging in a physical confrontation with two responding officers.
Hergett was eventually subdued with the use of a Taser after assaulting the officers. In the wake of his arrest, APD secured a search warrant for his residence on Iowa Street, where they seized multiple firearms.
Hergett now faces an array of charges that suggest a pattern of escalating violence and danger. Authorities have set his bail at $750,000, reflecting the severity of the charges and the threat he poses to public safety.
As the investigation continues, APD urges anyone with additional information about Hergett’s activities to come forward. The case has drawn attention due to its disturbing nature, with police focusing on ensuring justice for the victims and securing the safety of the community moving forward.
Hergett’s next court appearance is expected in the coming weeks as the legal process unfolds.