The Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit has been focusing on issues that are having a direct neighborhood impact. The unit is often receiving crimp or drug tips from neighbors, which have stimulated or generated the investigations.
Here are some updates in recent cases:
Fugitive from Justice – On May 24, 2022, SCU officers observed a known fugitive Erich Weber Patton, age 40, of Springfield. Officers followed Patton to the Gateway area of Springfield. When officers got behind Patton’s vehicle, the suspect sped away, parked, and ran from the vehicle. Officers located Patton in the middle of an apartment complex and a foot chase ensued. Patton jumped a fence and ran into a residential neighborhood where he was ultimately caught by officers and taken into custody. Patton knew he would be sentenced to prison once he was located, which was a factor in his flight. Patton has been sentenced to 76 months in prison.
Coin Collection Theft:
On May 17, 2022, SCU conducted a narcotics search warrant near Royal Avenue and Fisher Road. This search resulted in several pounds of narcotics, cash, and suspected stolen property. Individuals involved in drug sales often receive stolen property as payment for narcotics. Officers on scene seized collections of sports cards, magic cards, and collectible coins. These items were identified as property used to barter for narcotics. The coin collection was traded for a quarter pound of methamphetamine.
Eugene Street Crimes officers determined the coin collection matched stolen property taken in a recently reported burglary. The victim stated the coin collection was valued at approximately $4,000 and had taken him several years to collect. The collection had significant sentimental value for him and he was overjoyed to learn he will get these back.
Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit
The SCU has been focusing on prolific offenders, who are identified through intelligence-based policing, public tips and other sources. They have been proactively responding across the city to quality of life issues as they arise, using all available resources and partners such as community groups, neighborhood associations and city services. SCU is dedicated to targeting immediate and acute community safety system issues while working toward mission-critical enhancements that need to be addressed through a longer-term and broader community safety initiative. The unit currently consists of a lieutenant, a sergeant and five officers, including one officer with a drug detection K9.
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