At 7 p.m. on August 23, an adult Eugene woman called to report an incident categorized initially as a harassment. Two officers were subsequently dispatched and found the victim had been near 19th Avenue and Willamette Street and a man she didn’t know attempted to sexually assault her. She had had items fall out of her truck and when she went to retrieve them, a man she did not know helped her. After he finished helping load the items, he followed her back and then pushed her into her truck and attempted to sexually assault her. She was thankfully able to fight him off.
The suspect was last seen going east on 19th Avenue on a red mountain bike. He is described as having tanned-colored skin, with a thick accent, possibly Indian, approximately mid-30s, 5’6” to 5’7” tall with a thin build, and with short, well-kept hair. He was last seen wearing a red soccer jersey with a number of the back and black pants. If anyone has tips in this case, please call 541.682.5111. Case 22-12748
GENERAL PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
· Be aware of your surroundings at all times
· Do not get into someone’s car even if they display a weapon. It is better to fight back in the street where help is closer at hand and other people may hear your calls for help.
· Walk confidently and don’t avoid eye contact
· Don’t let strangers into your ‘space.’ Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don’t wish to approach you.
· Don’t stop to talk with strangers asking for directions or other types of help as this can be a ploy to get close for an attack.
· If you feel you are in danger or being followed, call 9-1-1
· If grabbed, fight back and make as much noise as possible.
· Use the buddy system when walking after dark or in ‘fringe’ areas, which are places there are fewer people travelling, allowing them a chance to victimize you without chancing witnesses. You should know the person you are walking with well enough to trust them.
· Walk in lighted areas as much as possible and don’t walk too close to bushes, alleyways or other places where attackers can conceal themselves
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