On
June 1, the City of Eugene enacted a temporary nighttime curfew in downtown
Eugene from 10:00 p.m. Monday June 1 through 6:00 a.m. June 2. It was expanded
to apply city-wide at midnight. Eugene Police monitored for safety in the
areas.
At 8 p.m., a group of people began blocking the road at 10th and Adams and turning vehicles around. A Community Emergency Notification System (CENS) message was sent out advising the community of the curfew hours and boundaries.
Shortly
before 10 p.m., a group of protesters was joined by a minivan and a motorcycle
and took over the roadway, blocking traffic. At one point all lanes of 18th
were taken up by the group. The protest group was stopping other vehicles in
the area and a motorcycle was also being used to stop lanes of traffic at
times.
Those
in protest groups were advised of the curfew zone. Vehicles were having to stop
for the group, however, there were attempts by the group to stay on the
sidewalks at times.
“Our
goal for tonight was to ensure people and property were safe,” said Chief Chris
Skinner. “The protest groups tonight were making efforts to stay on the
sidewalk at times and although they did block traffic, there were no concerns
that drew out the need to intervene tonight. The group exhibited care in the
way they were moving through the community and should be commended.”
Curfew
Information
City
Manager Pro Tem Sarah Medary implemented the curfew to ensure public safety
following incidents of violence and damage in Eugene.
The
curfew applies to the area from High Street to Polk Street and from 14th
Avenue to 4th Avenue. During the hours of the curfew, people are not
allowed to travel on any public street or in any public place in that area.
Prohibited travel includes automobile, bicycle, foot, public transit and any
other mode of personal transportation.
If
illegal and unsafe behaviors extend beyond the designated area, the curfew area
will be extended citywide as necessary.
The
curfew does not apply to credentialed media, people seeking emergency care,
fleeing dangerous circumstances, sheltering in place, traveling to and from
employment or making commercial deliveries.
Violating
the city’s curfew order is a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by a fine up
to $500 or confinement in jail up to 100 days, or both fine and imprisonment.