Campus Crime Alert – April 10, 2014

Please note this message may contain information that some may find upsetting.

This information is provided in cooperation with the Eugene Police Department.

The University of Oregon Police Department has received information regarding a report to Eugene Police that a man was drugged and sexually assaulted early Monday, April 7, near the UO campus.

The victim (who is not affiliated with the UO) said he met three men and a woman at Cowfish, a dance club and bar in downtown Eugene at 62 W. Broadway Street. He said he accepted a ride home from the group around 2:00 a.m. He then reports the group took him to the Pioneer Cemetery (located north of 18th Avenue and west of University Street) where he was sexually assaulted.

The victim describes the assailants as follows: a white male, about 30 years old, about 5-foot-10, with a "chunky" build and brown, spiky hair, wearing something orange; a white male of unknown age, about 5-foot-6, with a "chunky, pear-shaped" build, wearing a blond wig, red fishnet stockings, and a black or gray jacket; a third male without known description; and a white female, about 30 years old, about 5-foot-6, with blond hair cut in an "a-line," bob style, wearing gold underwear. The vehicle was described as a gold-colored, four-door sedan with leather or vinyl interior.

This incident is unresolved and an investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this or similar incidents should call Eugene Police at 541-682-5111. Updates regarding this incident, when and if available, will be posted on the UOPD website at police.uoregon.edu.

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. This alert describes a crime perpetrated by strangers to the survivor, and while very serious, this type of crime is much less common than those perpetrated by people known by their victims. The following suggestions may help reduce the possibility of experiencing such a crime, or may improve opportunities to receive prompt assistance. 
  • It is a crime to intentionally touch someone against his or her will, regardless of the situation.
  • Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas. Be aware of surroundings, and attempt to keep a safe distance from strangers.
  • Whenever possible, keep valuables secured and out of sight.
  • Don't accept an open beverage from an unknown source, offered by a person that you do not trust. It is illegal to "spike" food or beverage in an attempt to impair that person for any purpose.
  • Discourage friends from getting into a vehicle with people who are not completely trusted, especially if one or more people are impaired.
  • Use UO Safe Ride (541-346-RIDE ext. 2), call a taxicab, or contact UOPD for an on-campus escort (541-346-2919).
  • If you feel you or others are in danger, call 9-1-1.
  • To report suspicious, illegal or unusual activity on campus, call UOPD at 541-346-2919. Off-campus, call Eugene Police at 541-682-5111. For emergencies or if you see a crime being committed, call 9-1-1.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SURVIVORS OF CRIME

  • Call 541-346-SAFE at any time 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).