Eugene Police Department has had a report that yesterday, January 22, at around 6 p.m., a white Honda Civic stopped in front of the sidewalk and a passenger in the vehicle tried to grab and force a 17-year-old female into the vehicle. The teen had been walking north on N. Terry Street towards Barger Drive when this occurred. She was able to fight back and got away.
The vehicle is described as a white Honda Civic with bluish headlights. There were blue lights on the inside of the ceiling and the front plate was an Oregon plate ending in a “2.” The suspect passenger is described as a Hispanic man in his mid 20s, approximately 6’2” to 6’3” tall, with a very thing build, black/brownish hair that is long on top. He was last seen wearing a black pull-over hoody and khaki pants. The driver was described as a black male wearing short sleeves.
If anyone has information in the case they are asked to call 541.682.5111.
GENERAL PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
- Do not get into someone’s car even if they display a weapon. It is better to fight back in the street where help is closer at hand and other people may hear your calls for help.
- Walk confidently and don’t avoid all eye contact because perpetrators can mistake this for fear and vulnerability, instead project awareness of your environment.
- Don’t let strangers into your ‘space.’ Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don’t wish to approach you.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times and eliminate distractions or items that limit your ability to scan your environment
- Don’t stop to talk with strangers asking for directions or other types of help as this can be a ploy to get close for an attack.
- If you feel you are in danger or being followed, call 9-1-1
- If grabbed, fight back and make as much noise as possible.
- Use the buddy system when walking after dark or in ‘fringe’ areas, which are places there are fewer people travelling, allowing them a chance to victimize you without chancing witnesses. You should know the person you are walking with well enough to trust them.
- Walk in lighted areas as much as possible and don’t walk too close to bushes, alleyways or other places where attackers can conceal themselves.