Eugene police are encouraging students and visitors to the University area to take extra precautions after three women were grabbed during evening and night hours near campus.
The first incident occurred Oct. 24 at 12:50 p.m. near the Phoenix Inn Suites Hotel at 850 Franklin Boulevard. A woman was grabbed from behind while walking outside the hotel. She was able to fight back and get away.
Nov. 11 at 11:21 p.m. a different woman was grabbed from behind while walking through a parking lot near East 15th Avenue and Kincaid Street. The suspect attempted to pull her backwards but she fought him off and got away.
A third incident occurred Nov. 12 at 9 p.m. at East 15th Avenue and Hilyard Street. A woman walking home from the library was grabbed by a man who was following her. He tried to knock her down, but she was able to escape.
Police said the cases may or may not be related, and are asking anyone with information about the assaults or other assault attempts to contact Det. Ted Williams at 541-682-5175.
The suspect is described as a 25 year-old white male who is approximately 6 feet tall with a medium build and short brown or blond hair.
Eugene police are advising students to use the buddy system when walking after dark. They also suggest walking in lighted areas and staying away from bushes, alleyways or other places where people may be concealed.
Students should be aware of their surroundings at all times and should trust their instincts. Police also suggest keeping distance between yourself and people you don’t want to approach you.
If found in an aggressive situation, police suggest fighting back and never getting into a vehicle, even when threatened with a firearm. It is better to fight on the street and make as much noise as possible.
The Department of Public Safety offers an escort service by calling 541-346-5444. The ASUO also offers the Assault Prevention Shuttle which runs every night of the week from 6 p.m. to midnight and on weekends from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 346-RIDE to schedule a ride. The Designated Driver Shuttle can be reached at the same number and offers rides home from local bars. It operates from 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. every night.
Emergency phones are available on campus and are lighted with blue lights. The phones connect directly to public safety.
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