Document text
Medford police arrest suspect in two robberies By PETER WONG A suspect from Phoenix, Ariz., was arrested by Medford police Tuesday in connection with two armed robberies in the past two weeks. Police were investigating whether James Lee Stephens, 30, had connections with any of five other Medford robberies dating back to July 3. "We are definitely looking at Mr. Stephens for any additional crimes he may have committed," Medford police Lt. Tim George said Tuesday night. "We are two for seven now, and it is not over yet." Stephens was arrested in connection with armed robberies Sept. 27 at the Hostess Cakes warehouse at 722 Rossanley Drive, and Sept. 23 at the Car Lot, 2360 N. Pacific Highway. In both robberies, police allege that Stephens pointed a gun at someone. George said police will investigate Stephens' criminal involvement in his last known residence in Arizona. Though Medford police lodged him in the Jackson County Jail Tuesday, Stephens actually has been in custody since early Sunday. Grants Pass police arrested Stephens at 2:47 a.m. on charges of possession of methamphetamine and carrying a concealed firearm, a .357 Magnum revolver. He was lodged in the Josephine County Jail. George said Stephens was using a fictitious name at that time. Further investigation by Grants Pass police disclosed his identity, and his physical description prompted a call to Medford police because of similarities to a composite drawing of the robber. "We got great assistance from the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety," George said. Stephens was transferred to the Jackson County Jail, where he faced two charges each of first- and second-degree robbery, an ex-convict in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a firearm, and pointing a firearm at another person. His bail was set at $4,056,000 under a 1994 measure that sets steep amounts for violent crimes. He was expected to appear in Jackson County Circuit Court on those charges this afternoon. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA