On March 16, Springfield Police contacted James Thomas Tkacs, age 40, and Waquas Ali Bhatti, age 32, of Eugene, regarding a suspicious circumstances call. Early on in the investigation it came to light that one or both of the them may be involved in the Lil’s Deli Robbery, which occurred March 15. Since then Eugene Police detectives have been working in concert with Springfield Police detectives on the investigation. Today James Tkacs was charged with the March 15 robbery of Lil’s Deli. The investigation into Bhatti’s possible involvement as well as the March 2 Robbery are ongoing.
After investigation by Eugene Police detectives, a third reported robbery on March 11 at 1 a.m. at 13th and Hilyard, has been found to not be a robbery, but an incident involving mutual combat.
There are 11 active robbery cases currently being worked by Eugene Police. There are two other related cases under investigation by UOPD detectives.
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Eugene Police News Release
March 15, 2018
For further information, contact:
Melinda McLaughlin, APR, Public Information Director, at 541.682.5124
John Hankemeier, Public Information Coordinator, 541-682-5197
Armed Robbery at Lucky Lils
Case Number 18-4276
At 7:16 a.m., today, March 15, police received a call about an armed robbery at Lucky Lils, 2018 River Road. An employee was robbed at gunpoint by a man wearing a bandana, who fled with cash, running southbound toward the laundromat. Multiple Eugene Police units, K9, and Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene and to search the area. The suspect was not located.
The suspect is described as a white male, age 20-30, medium to heavy build, approximately 5’-10” tall, and last seen wearing a grey hoody, black and white skate or athletic shoes that had a big tongue, and blue jeans.
If anyone has relevant tips in either of these cases, they are asked to call 541.682.5111.