Forest Grove Police arrested Timothy Ray Holycross, 57, of Forest Grove on numerous charges, including two counts of Attempted Aggravated Murder and one count of Arson in the First Degree related to the detonation of a large destructive device on May 19th, 2017.
On May 19th, at 1:22 am, officers responded to a report of an explosion in the area of Bard Park in Forest Grove. Officers found parts of a large detonated destructive device in the 2900 block of 22nd Place. Investigators also found damage to a residence along with damage to nearby property. The explosion sent shrapnel nearly 100 yards away from the blast site.
Holycross' estranged wife and another man were sleeping in the residence when the explosion occurred but were not injured. Investigators learned that Holycross had a stalking order against him after months of repeated unwanted contact with his estranged wife. Holycross was identified as a person of interest early in the investigation and became the primary suspect as additional evidence was recovered by investigators. On June 7th, 2017 a search warrant was served at Holycross' residence.
Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with investigators with the Portland Police Bomb Squad and the Oregon State Police worked closely with Forest Grove Police investigators leading to the arrest of Holycross.
In addition to the attempted murder and arson charges, Holycross, is being charged with Theft in the First Degree, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Possession of a Destructive Device, Manufacture of a Destructive Device, and Unlawful Possession of Firearm. He is being held at the Washington County Jail with a bail of over $800,000.
Anyone with further information about this case is encouraged to contact the Forest Grove Police Department.