On August 15 at 8:52 p.m., Eugene Police received multiple reports of a gunshots heard in the 1700 block of Balboa Street. The source of the shots was determined to be coming from a residence occupied by Douglas Rodger Engel, age 50. Firing a pistol in a residential neighborhood poses a substantial risk to those in the area, and EPD attempted to contact Engel was contacted by phone. Engel refused to exit. Coincidentally, EPD’s Street Crimes Unit had a search warrant signed by a Lane County Circuit Court judge, with probable cause to arrest Engel. This was already in place, so a decision to serve the warrant earlier than planned. EPD Patrol, SCU, SWAT, Crisis Negotiation Team, Metro Explosives Disposal Team, Tactical Dispatch and Drone Team deployed to the area to more safely address taking Engel into custody.
Engel did not answer during multiple attempts to hail and call him out of the house. EPD SWAT and Drone Team worked in tandem to successfully deploy gas strategically into the residence and this prompted Engel to exit and allow himself to be taken into custody safely yand without incident. A stolen handgun and additional items were recovered from the house.
Engel was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Use Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, Reckless Endangering, and Unlawful Possession Fentanyl.
This was another community impact case, stimulated by concerned neighbors and public members who were concerned about drug activity. SCU works in concert with communities to help solve issues. The unit focuses on prolific offenders, who are identified through intelligence-based policing, public tips and other sources. They proactively respond 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.
Case 22-12313
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