Downtown protest turns violent
EUGENE, Ore. - An activist group called "Crazy People" for Wild Places also known as "Crazy People for Wildlife Protection" held a rally in Downtown Eugene speaking out against the use of roadside pesticides.
One member, Ian Van Ornum, put on a mock exterminator suit. That's when things started to turn ugly. Van Ornum began spraying plants and people in the area with an unknown substance. Organizers say it was water but when police showed up, Van Ornum told them it was poison. That's when four officers tackled and arrested him and, while he was being cuffed, shocked him with a Taser at least two times.
Officials said officers used the Taser because Van Ornum resisted arrest and swung at officers while one handcuff was on.
"In order to take a full grown man into custody who was actively resisting it takes more than one officer," said Capt. Pete Kerns. "This is in order to avoid injury to both the officer and the subject."
Witnesses say something different.
"All he was saying was 'Why? Why are you doing this?' He wasn't resisting," said Carly Barnicle, an organizer of the demonstration.
"They absolutetly abused it. They tasered him at least two times while he was on the ground. Face down. Face in the cement. There was blood coming from his head. His hands were held behind his back," she said.
Police arrested two other men, Anthony Jameson and David Owen.
Police charged Farley, 22, with assault, interfering with a police officer and disorderly conduct.
Police charged Owen, 40, with interfering with a police officer, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Police said the Taser was used because of their safety and the safety of others in the area was put in danger.
The protesters aren't so sure.
"I don't know where to go from here because they're supposed to be the law," said Barnicle. "They're supposed to be the peace. And it's scary to think, to think that they are'nt letting people speak their minds."
One member, Ian Van Ornum, put on a mock exterminator suit. That's when things started to turn ugly. Van Ornum began spraying plants and people in the area with an unknown substance. Organizers say it was water but when police showed up, Van Ornum told them it was poison. That's when four officers tackled and arrested him and, while he was being cuffed, shocked him with a Taser at least two times.
Officials said officers used the Taser because Van Ornum resisted arrest and swung at officers while one handcuff was on.
"In order to take a full grown man into custody who was actively resisting it takes more than one officer," said Capt. Pete Kerns. "This is in order to avoid injury to both the officer and the subject."
Witnesses say something different.
"All he was saying was 'Why? Why are you doing this?' He wasn't resisting," said Carly Barnicle, an organizer of the demonstration.
"They absolutetly abused it. They tasered him at least two times while he was on the ground. Face down. Face in the cement. There was blood coming from his head. His hands were held behind his back," she said.
Police arrested two other men, Anthony Jameson and David Owen.
Police charged Farley, 22, with assault, interfering with a police officer and disorderly conduct.
Police charged Owen, 40, with interfering with a police officer, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Police said the Taser was used because of their safety and the safety of others in the area was put in danger.
The protesters aren't so sure.
"I don't know where to go from here because they're supposed to be the law," said Barnicle. "They're supposed to be the peace. And it's scary to think, to think that they are'nt letting people speak their minds."
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