Case No. 14-4124
The abduction and rape of a 29-year-old female on Tuesday, March 11, at S. Garden Way near the round-about was reported to police yesterday at 6:12 p.m. The suspect is reported to have forced the victim into his vehicle and transported her to an unknown location in Springfield where he forcibly raped her.
The suspect is described as an unknown race male, possibly Middle Eastern, in his mid 20s, with black hair 2”-3” long. He was reported to be driving a mid-1990s compact sedan, possibly a Honda, Nissan, or Acura. The color was unknown.
Eugene Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is following up to investigate the report. If anyone has relevant information in the case they are asked to call Detective Matt Herbert at 541.682.5147.
While the following tips may not apply in this situation, reports of violent crimes like this can heighten anxiety and people may wish to know if there are ways they can reduce their risks. Provided are tips for personal safety as well as reporting sexual assaults.
General Personal Safety Tips
• 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
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• Know that being intoxicated can dull your senses, judgment and ability to react to situations
• 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.
• 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.
• Rapes by strangers can happen in ‘fringe type’ areas, which are secluded enough for an attack, but close enough to civilization that there are potential victims for the attacker to select.
Reporting Sexual Assault
You can call 9-1-1 for police or go to an emergency room.
For support service/advocacy, Sexual Assault Support Services has a 24-hour Crisis & Support Line. The agency can provide many services to victims. Transportation and accompaniment to seek medical care, make a police report, or access emergency shelter; non-judgmental emotional support; immediately needed information and referrals; safety planning; and networking with other agencies and emergency resources. 24 Hour Crisis & Support Line 541-343-7277 (SASS) or 1-800-788-4727 (toll-free in/gratis en Oregon)
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