Man with Warrant Arrested After Fleeing Police
On April 21, EPD Street Crimes Unit was out in the W. 18th Avenue and Chambers Street area regarding a large camp on the east side of Albertson’s, when they spotted Michael James Hikes, Jr., age 34, of Eugene. SCU knew Hikes was wanted on a Parole Violation for Intimidation and there was probable cause for Interfering with a Police Officer.
Hikes was on a bicycle and immediately left the parking lot and rode onto the bike path leading to Westmoreland Park. He was advised he was under arrest, but eluded officers as he was on the bike path. An officer spotted him few times as Hikes eluded down different streets, but regained sight of Hikes as Hikes rode across W. 18th Avenue at Pierce Street.
Another officer joined Hikes in a foot pursuit. Officer Travis Palki and his K9 partner, Jax, responded and Hikes surrendered when K-9 Jax began barking at Hikes near W. 1th Avenue and Hayes Street. Hikes was taken to jail on charges of Escape in the Third Degree, Interfere with Peace Officer, Warrant.
The SCU gives special mention to smooth operations by Central Lane 911 and EPD Patrol, which assisted in the capture. Case 20-06743
Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit
The SCU has been funded by the Community Safety Initiative and focuses on prolific offenders, who are identified through intelligence-based policing, public tips and other sources. SCU has 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.