On April 19 at 6:31 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the W. 11th area to contact a 15-year-old African-American male who reported being chased by two white men who he felt were trying to assault him.
The 15-year-old said the incident began when he was walking. When he was in front of some apartments, he saw a 2000 model gold Chevrolet four-door sedan pass him on the right. He reported that immediately after the car passed him, it slowed down and turned around, and came back toward him. The driver parked near the 15-year-old and exited the vehicle, running toward him. The front seat passenger also exited the vehicle and started running toward him in an aggressive manner. The driver yelled racial slurs during the pursuit.
The victim immediately sprinted into the apartment complex. Both suspects chased him into an complex and later through a wooded area nearby. At one point, the 15-year-old hid near the apartment complex and waited for them to leave. When he thought the suspects had left, he ran to another location but found the two suspects were still in the area. Back in the car, the driver sped through a parking lot in an attempt to catch up to him. The teen was able to sprint into a building and tell an adult what was happening. She immediately called police.
Officers checked the area for the suspects but were unable to locate it. The case is being reviewed by investigators.
“It saddens and concerns me greatly to hear of this kind of aggressive, hateful behavior occurring toward anyone in our community, and especially toward a young person. I am grateful he is ok and that there was a caring adult nearby to help,” said Mayor Kitty Piercy. “Hate and Bias are not welcome in our community. The City of Eugene is committed to building and sustaining a safe community for everyone and has services available to support people,” she added.
The City of Eugene has a strong commitment to responding to hate activity, as well as contributing to prevention strategies. If you or someone you know has experienced Hate or Bias, contact the City’s Human Rights and Neighborhood Involvement Office for
• access to resources
• to tell your story
• to create a community response that aims to decrease hate and bias in our community
Hate and Bias incidents are notoriously underreported nationally. To report a Hate or Bias Crime contact the Eugene Police Department (Emergency 911 or Non-emergency 541-682-5111) or to report a non-criminal incident contact Human Rights and Neighborhood Involvement at (541-682-5177).
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Case Number 16-6271