On December 9 at 5:47 p.m., Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit officers learned Brent Williams Roberts, age 31, who had two warrants, was possibly at an apartment in the 2100 block of W. 16th Avenue. He was wanted for Assault in the First Degree (knife) and Menacing Abuse Prevention Act (with firearm) (domestic violence related). Just as SCU officers were getting set for contacting Roberts, he spotted them as he was coming out of the apartment and fled on foot. SCU officers pursued him and gave admonishments to him as the foot pursuit continued. Near the end of the chase, Roberts indicated to officers that he was going to kill himself and began to reach into his waistband. An SCU officer deployed a taser with immediate results. Roberts continued to resist being taken into handcuffs, but was eventually detained. He was eventually lodged at Lane County Jail on charges of: Fail to Appear/Fail to Comply for Assault in the First Degree and Menacing, he was also lodged for Assault in the Fourth Degree Probation Violation.
SCU officers tracked the path the foot pursuit had taken and located a realistic-looking airsoft gun. Case 21-19400
Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit
The SCU has been focusing on prolific offenders, who are identified through intelligence-based policing, public tips and other sources. They have been proactively responding across the city to quality of life issues as they arise, using all available resources and partners such as community groups, neighborhood associations and city services. SCU is dedicated to targeting immediate and acute community safety system issues while working toward mission-critical enhancements that need to be addressed through a longer-term and broader community safety initiative. The unit currently consists of a lieutenant, a sergeant and eight officers.