Police on the Lookout for Kidnapping Suspect in Grants Pass Area

The suspect was last seen on foot east of Interstate 5 about about two miles north of Grants Pass.

Police are looking for 49-year old Robert Alan Bufanda of Grants Pass

(GRANTS PASS, Ore.) - Oregon State Police and Grants Pass-area police agencies are asking for the public's help in locating a wanted man considered armed and dangerous. They say the man kidnapped and threatened a Grants Pass woman Tuesday afternoon. The suspect was last seen on foot east of Interstate 5 about about two miles north of Grants Pass.

OSP Sergeant Jeff Fitzgerald says today at approximately 1:30 PM, 49-year old Robert Alan Bufanda of Grants Pass, went to the residence of the 43-year old female victim with whom he had an on-and-off relationship with and hid in an outbuilding.

"The victim, who has an active restraining order against Bufanda, came into contact with him and he refused her orders to leave. Bufanda assaulted the victim, took a shotgun off a wall, and took her out of the residence at gunpoint."

Fitzgerald says Bufanda reportedly forced her into a pickup and drove her to a remote area about 1 1/2 miles from the residence to a frontage road along the east side of Interstate 5 near milepost 61.

"They got out of the pickup and he had her get onto her knees. During the next several minutes, Bufanda repeatedly threatened both their lives. The victim was able to get back into the pickup and drive from the area, leaving Bufanda behind. Bufanda left the area on foot without the rifle."

The victim said she drove to an interchange area near milepost 61 on Interstate 5 north of Grants Pass where she was found by an OSP trooper.

Another OSP trooper and a Grants Pass Department of Public Safety officer with K-9 attempted a track from the area where Bufanda was last seen. They were unable to find him.

OSP detectives from the Central Point Area Command office responded to assist with the investigation.

At this time, Bufanda is wanted on charges of first-degree Kidnapping, Menacing with a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Violation of Restraining Order, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and also for a Probation Violation.

Fitzgerald says other charges may be pending.

"Although he left without the rifle Bufanda should be considered armed and dangerous, and he may be suicidal. He is described as a white male, 5'11", 210 pounds, with blue eyes and bald. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a blue coat."

Anyone with information regarding Bufanda's location is asked to call 9-1-1 or OSP Southern Command Center dispatch at (541) 776-6111.

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