Flash-and-grab suspect remains at large
EUGENE, Ore. -- A man who grabbed a woman from behind south of the University of Oregon campus may be the same man who jumped out of the bushes and flashed two women in the same area -- then followed the woman and exposed himself again after the women ran away.
Suspect description | What happened | Safety tips
Police do not have a suspect in custody and are exploring the possibility the same man was involved in both the flashing and the grabbing. All three incidents happened along or near Harris Street, south of the UO campus.
The suspect in both incidents was described as a white male, approximately 20-years-old, 5'8"-6'0", 150 to 160 pounds, tan skin with an athletic build and blonde hair. Police are looking into the possibility the crimes were committed by the same man.
At the time of the incidents, the man was seen wearing dark grey hooded pullover sweatshirt and dark pants.
Anyone with information about similar incidents or who observed either of these cases, are asked to call Detective Tony Veach at (541) 682-5172.
Monday at 9:30 p.m., two 20-year-old females were walking on Harris Street near East 19th Avenue when they noticed a man in front of them wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt.
As they passed the house where they had seen him, a man jumped from the bushes with his pants down, exposing his genitals.
The two women ran from the area only to be approached by the man again at the intersection of East 21st Avenue and Harris Street, where he again exposed his genitals.
The women contacted police, who responded and conducted a search but did not locate the suspect.
Approximately 30 minutes later police received a report of sexual abuse from a 25-year-old woman who was near the corner of East 23rd Avenue and Harris Street when a man approached her asking for directions.
As the woman turned to point and provide him an answer, the man grabbed her from behind. The victim was able to free herself, and the man fled westbound on East 23rd Avenue turning onto Alder Street.
The victim called 911 and police arrived to conduct a search, but the man was already gone from the area.
Safety tips from the Eugene police
- Use the buddy system when walking after dark. You should know the person you are walking with well enough to trust them. The University of Oregon has several options for safety (see UO Safety Information, below)
- 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
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- 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 you see someone who makes you feel unsafe or who is engaged in questionable activities, avoid going near them
- If grabbed, fight back and make as much noise as possible.
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.
