Following the Nov. 15 University of Oregon Police Department’s Crime Alert about an individual sexually assaulting two victims on and around UO campus, a suspect has been identified, according to UO Spokesperson, Eric Howald.
On the morning of Nov. 14, UOPD received reports of an individual offering two victims candy before sexually assaulting them on and around campus.
“A UOPD investigation and the help of a third witness identified the suspect,” Howald said.
Howald also said that the individual has been “removed from the community” and the filing of criminal charges is currently on hold.
“The community is safe from this individual, but we continue to encourage victims to report incidents of harassment whenever they arise,” Howald said.
According to Howald, a victim would need to agree to press charges to further the investigation.
PeggySue Bowe • Nov 21, 2024 at 3:37 am
It seems that Eugene is hesitant to prosecute ANY TYPE of crime anymore. I don’t know if this is due to the inexperience of our elected state officials or budget shortfalls caused by the homeless issue
(highest in the nation). Is the reason due to lack of staff at the county jail? Did we lay off staff to make adjustments to budget shortfalls? Why aren’t we prosecuting criminals that are breaking laws in our community? Having laws that aren’t being enforced does nothing to deter repeat offenders. Neither does the practice of “arrest and release.” The CONSEQUENCE of doing a crime must be enough to discourage the criminal from repeating the crime and we must INSIST that the crimes are prosecuted if they are to be effective at all.