A 29-year-old man who had fired multiple shots from his handgun in a hotel room was safely taken into custody shortly after 10:15 a.m. after long hours of work by Crisis Negotiation Team members, SWAT, MEDU, patrol, and with standby by Eugene Springfield fire and EMS. Charges in the case are pending and the man's name will be released shortly.
We want to thank local media for the care they took in reporting the incident, which kept things lower key and safer for all involved.
A 11:01 p.m. August 10, police were called regarding a man, age 29, who was in the lobby open-carrying a handgun and making suicidal statements. The involved male was reported ranting at employees, acting incoherent while carrying a handgun around. He had gone back up to a hotel room of the third floor with a woman.
EPD Crisis Negotiation Team specialists responded and were able to contact the man remotely and they worked for four hours to try and get him to come out of the room in a safe manner. Since no shots had been fired and there was no additional activity, a smaller group of officers was left in place for security and police backed off to avoid escalating the situation.
At 2:48 this morning, August 11, police received report that shots had been fired from the third floor hotel room. The woman had left the room and is safe. There were no injuries. Arriving officers heard more shots and gained information that the man has a good amount of ammunition. The third floor of the hotel has been evacuated, and the bike path in the back of the hotel has been restricted to travel. EPD appreciates the assistance of University of Oregon Police in providing security on the bike path.
On scene were Eugene's CNT, SWAT, Patrol, Metro Explosive Disposal Unit, and Eugene Springfield Fire. Lane County Sheriff's Office has also assisted with equipment needs.
Police were asking travelers on the bike path to avoid the area.