An Oregon man wanted by police for allegedly kidnapping a woman and beating her unconscious may be using dating apps to find more victims, according to the Grants Pass Police Department.
According to the department, Benjamin Obadiah Foster, 36, is considered an “extremely dangerous suspect wanted for Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, and Assault.” He remains on the run but has been active on dating sites and apps.
In a statement about the suspect posted to Facebook, the department said that “on Tuesday at 6:52 PM, Grants Pass Police Officers responded to a residence in the 2100 block of Shane Way regarding an assault. Upon arrival, officers found a female victim who had been bound and severely beaten into unconsciousness. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.”
“The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived but was positively identified as Benjamin Obadiah Foster, 36 years old, of Wolf Creek,” the statement continued. “Foster was last known to be driving a dark blue 2008 Nissan Sentra 4-door with Oregon license 407EDX. Foster is known to be armed and should be considered extremely dangerous. Foster is wanted by the police for Kidnapping, Attempted Murder, and Assault. Anyone seeing Foster or knowing his whereabouts should immediately call 9-1-1 and reference Grants Pass case #23-3570.”
In an update about the case, the department said that “the Grants Pass Police Department, with the assistance of Oregon State Police SWAT, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, and Federal partners, served a search warrant in the 1300 block of Sunny Valley Loop in Wolf Creek to arrest Benjamin Obadiah Foster for Attempted Murder. Following a lengthy manhunt, Foster evaded capture and likely received assistance in fleeing the area. Numerous items of evidence, including Foster’s 2008 Nissan Sentra were seized during the search.”
A 68-year-old woman named Tina Marie Jones was arrested for Hindering Prosecution.
“The investigation has revealed that the suspect is actively using online dating applications to contact unsuspecting individuals who may be lured into assisting with the suspect’s escape or potentially as additional victims,” the update said. “The Grants Pass Police Department wants the community to be extra safe while this predator is still at large and also advised that anyone assisting Ben Foster with his escape will face potential prosecution.”
The department is now offering a $2,500.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Benjamin Obadiah Foster.
In an update on Sunday, the department said that “It is possible that Benjamin Foster may attempt to change his appearance by shaving his beard and hair or by changing his hair color. The Grants Pass Police Department asks the public to pay particular attention to Foster’s facial structure and eyes since those features are very difficult to change. Additional photos of Foster, as they become available, will be released to assist in his identification.”
Anyone with information about the case is being asked to call the Grants Pass Police Tip-Line at 541-237-5607. They noted that “citizens should not approach this extremely dangerous suspect and call 9-1-1.”