On November 12, around 5 p.m., the Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit contacted the driver of a Ford Mustang, Tanner Jason Barcala, age 23, of Springfield, in the area of 5th Avenue and Adams Street, after receiving information that he was transporting narcotics. The Springfield Police K9 narcotic unit responded to assist SCU in the investigation, and helped locate large quantities of illegal drugs in the vehicle.
During the traffic stop, SCU recognized the passenger in the vehicle, Megan Brooke Keller, age 28, of Eugene, as a wanted suspect and contacted her regarding three warrants for arrest. Following investigation of Keller, she was transported to the hospital by medics and later cited for Tampering With Physical Evidence.
Barcala was arrested and transported to the Lane County Jail on felony charges for Unlawful Possession of Heroin and Unlawful Possession of Cocaine.
Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit
The SCU has been focusing on prolific offenders, who are identified through intelligence-based policing, public tips and other sources. They have been proactively responding across the city to quality of life issues as they arise, using all available resources and partners such as community groups, neighborhood associations and city services.
SCU is dedicated to targeting immediate and acute community safety system issues while working toward mission-critical enhancements that need to be addressed through a longer-term and broader community safety initiative. The unit currently consists of a lieutenant, two sergeants and eight officers.
###