Campus Crime Alert 2018-03-05

What is this notice? Campus Crime Alerts are released by the University of Oregon Police Department when certain crimes are reported on or near campus property, and in compliance with federal law. These timely warnings provide information about campus safety situations, and allow campus community members to take precautions for personal safety. This incident occurred outside the university's Clery Act reportable area, but was a serious crime close to campus and is being shared with students and employees. All crimes should be reported as soon as possible to local law enforcement.

An armed robbery was reported the evening of March 5 at 19th Avenue and Agate Street near the University of Oregon campus, with suspect descriptions similar to other recent robberies reported in the area.

The robbery was reported to Eugene Police around 9:30 p.m., from Tom's Market, at 1490 E. 19th Avenue; a store employee was threatened with a handgun. The first suspect was described as a black male, in his 20s, between 6-feet and 6'2" tall with a heavy or muscular build, wearing a black beanie-style cap, a black mask covering the lower part of his mouth, and a long-sleeved black jacket and black pants. The second suspect was described as a white male, medium build, wearing a dark blue beanie-style cap, a dark blue sweatshirt with gray hood and a logo, black pants, and black shoes. Suspects left on foot to the south.

Suspects with similar descriptions were reportedly involved in other armed robberies in the area in recent days according to Eugene Police.

Both Eugene and University of Oregon police have searched the area extensively, but the suspects have not been found and police continue to search the broader community. The suspects should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information about the suspects or the incidents should contact Eugene Police at 541-682-5111, or UO Police at 541-346-2919.

Updates regarding this incident, when and if available, will be posted on the UOPD website at police.uoregon.edu. Campus crimes and safety concerns can always be reported to UOPD, 24 hours per day, at 541-346-2919.

CAMPUS SAFETY TIPS FROM UOPD

No action or inaction by a crime survivor makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects. The following suggestions may help reduce the possibility of experiencing such a crime, or may improve opportunities to receive prompt assistance.

  • Students are encouraged to use UO Safe Ride (541-346-RIDE ext. 2) or Designated Driver Shuttle (541-346-RIDE ext. 1), or the UO Campus Shuttle (map.uoregon.edu/campus-shuttle), call a taxicab, or contact UOPD for an on-campus escort (541-346-2919).
  • It is a crime to intentionally touch someone against his or her will, regardless of the situation. 
  • Bystanders should try to be aware of their surroundings, and if there are signs of a person in distress, bystanders should make themselves known and offer assistance if it is safe to do so, and/or seek immediate help from police or security personnel.
  • Every person and situation is different; survivors must decide for themselves what actions or responses are safest in any situation. If someone attempts to touch you against your will, you have the right to yell "NO" loudly, or do whatever is necessary to get the person to let go, and flee to a safe place and seek help. When safe, try to remember as much as possible about the person's appearance and behavior. Regardless of what happens during an incident, you have the right to report the crime and to receive services and accommodations.
  • Assaults by strangers are far less common than assaults by people known to survivors. Self-defense classes can prepare people to deter or escape an assault, and have benefits for improved awareness and confidence. Credit courses are available from the Physical Education department under the "PEMA" subject code (http://uocatalog.uoregon.edu/pe_rec/#courseinventory) and from UOPD (/content/self-defense).
  • Report criminal activity (such as a break-in or intruder, robbery, or assault) immediately to 9-1-1, or for non-emergency situations on campus, to UOPD at 541-346-2919.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SURVIVORS OF CRIME

  • Survivors have a right to report crimes to police and have crimes investigated and/or prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.
  • Call 541-346-SAFE at any time or visit safe.uoregon.edu to learn about options and resources.
  • For students, a range of support services are available through the Office of the Dean of Students, 541-346-3216; uodos@uoregon.edu.
  • For students, personal counseling and other support services are available through the University Counseling and Testing Center, 541-346-3227 (available 24 hours); counseling.uoregon.edu/dnn.
  • For students, medical and sexual assault examination services are available at University Health Center, 541-346-2770; healthcenter.uoregon.edu.
  • For employees, the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, 541-346-3123, and Office of Human Resources, 541-346-3159, can assist in connecting to resources.
  • Other community resources available are Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS), 541-343-7277 (24 hour crisis line) or 541-484-9791, Womenspace, 541-485-8232 or 541-485-6513 (24 hour crisis line), and White Bird Clinic Counseling, 541-342-8255 541-687-4000 (24 hour crisis line).