On Sunday, January 25, three females report being approached by an armed suspect who tried to rob them at approximately 12:30 a.m. near E. 17th Avenue and Patterson.
A 19-year-old female with two other female friends, also in their late teens, were walking on E. 17th Avenue near Patterson after a party when an unknown male approached them. The suspect is reported to have told the victims to stop, then displayed a handgun demanding money. They told the suspect they didn’t have any and ran away.
The suspect is described as a white male adult, 5’1-“, tall, with dark, short hair, dark eyes, bulky dark hoodie, black mask with white squares around the mouth (like skeleton teeth), and dark jeans.
If anyone has information in this case, they are asked to call 541.682.5111.
GENERAL PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS – Crimes, such as this one, often bring questions about what to do to protect your personal safety.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• 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.
• 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
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