Shortly after 5 p.m. on October 30, a 15-year-old male was at the Cal Young Skate Park, 2699 Gilham Road, with two friends, when they noticed a man was watching them. The victim reported that at around 5:15 p.m., his friends had left and the man approached him. The victim became uncomfortable and was going to leave, but the man blocked the exit from the skate park and invited him to come closer. The victim turned and ran, threw his belongings over the fence and climbed over the fence and ran toward the intersection of Gilham Road and Crescent Avenue. He saw that the man was following him and had jumped the fence as well. The victim reports the man continued to follow him, but eventually turned around and went back to his car, described as a white Hyundai with a black hood. The victim hid and saw the Hyundai drive slowly past him to the east. The vehicle turned north on Chuckanut, turned around and stopped facing Crescent. The victim ran home and reported the incident to his mother, who called police. The victim reported that he’s seen the vehicle in the area on previous occasions.
The suspect is described as a white male in his late 20s, 5’10” tall, with a heavy build, dark, balding hair with a “buzz cut,” and last seen wearing corrective glasses, a white tank top and black and red basketball-type shorts.
Eugene Police commends the teen for being aware of his surroundings and the suspicious actions of the man, putting distance between himself and the man, and then wisely reporting the incident to his mother so Eugene Police could follow up and also make the public aware of the suspicious conditions.
If anyone has information or relevant tips in this case, they should call 541.682.5111.
GENERAL PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
Be aware of your surroundings at all times
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 eye contact
Don’t let strangers into your ‘space.’ Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don’t wish to approach you.
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. 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