I spent about three hours riding along with Eugene police officer Randy Ellis today as he patrolled the West University Neighborhood. Working the day shift, most of Ellis’ job is to have his presence known and act as a crime deterrent. The officer knows most of the homeless that frequent the area by name and in some cases, drug of choice. Ellis’ 42 years of service to the neighborhood has given him an interesting perspective on recent changes to the area. Read more about Randy Ellis here.
Randy Ellis stops a Eugene man with unopened alcoholic Sparks Iced Tea on Patterson Alley between 11th and 12th Avenue for the second time in an hour. The man, a known alcoholic to area police, was given a warning both times by Ellis. The officer poured the beverages out both times in order to prevent an open container violation. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Randy Ellis pours out two cans of Sparks Iced Tea confiscated from a man on Patterson Alley between 11th and 12th Avenue. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Eugene police officer Randy Ellis has been on the force working the West University Neighborhood for the last 42 years. Ellis estimates he’s worked in the city 15 years longer than the next longest tenured officer. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Randy Ellis assisted DPS officer Adam Lillengreen in arresting David Stetta for trespassing on University of Oregon property at Riley Hall. DPS has the authority to make arrests but can only detain and hold law breakers until Eugene police officers are available to transport and book offenders at Lane County Jail. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
DPS officer Adam Lillenburg and Eugene police officer Randy Ellis joke around after the pair assisted on arresting David Stetta for trespassing at Riley Hall. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)