Eugene Springfield Fire EMS and Eugene Police responded to a 911 caller who reported a man in the river floating past Maurie Jacobs Park near where the Polar Plunge is held. EPD officers
and EFD responded to the area. EFD water rescue deployed two rescue boats. Officers quickly arrived on scene and located the caller, who was in his own Jet sled, by himself trying to rescue the man in the river. At one point the very large man struggled with the caller and broke himself loose from the callers grasp on purpose. The man was not responsive to EPD or EFD personnel on the bank. It was quickly apparent he didn't want to be rescued and continued to float down the river, passing the Greenway Bridge and heading towards the Owosso Bridge. Fire personnel was able to keep an eye on him while waiting on the rescue boats. Water rescue boats arrived and attempted to rescue the man but he refused to get rescued. EFD requested EPD assistance. Three officers donned personal floatations devices and went with fire personnel. They contacted the man in the middle of the river and were able to gain control, pinning him up against the boat. It was quickly apparent he was in danger and was becoming hypothermic quickly. Officers had EFD drive the boat to the shore where other waiting officers were able to help with gaining control and arresting the subject. The subject was later identified as Charles Eugene Miller, age 41. Miller had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was transported to the hospital for evaluation and later taken to Lane County Jail.