Team effort focuses on Hwy. 99 crime and traffic issues

After listening to reports of ongoing issues from Hwy. 99 corridor residents and businesses, Eugene Police Housing Support Officers, Traffic Safety Unit, and Public Works Right of Way teamed up for an enforcement of crime and traffic-related violations on July 29. The focus was on Hwy. 99 from Barger to Roosevelt. While TSU handled pedestrian and vehicle traffic violations, the HSOs focused on crimes such as Trespass, Open Container, and Prohibited Camping.

This operation was in response to feedback by the Bethel Community about the hazards and crimes being committed in this area, as well as the observations made by our employees in the field. The area has also experienced a number of fatal pedestrian-vehicle crashes and traffic safety needs to be front and center for everyone.

Between TSU and HSOs, the team made approximately 15 arrests that ranged from trespassing to warrants. One arrest was for open container but had mitigating factors such as the suspect attempting to flee across Hwy. 99 and then hide in the Corner Market at Hwy. 99 and Royal Avenue. The team also handed out several citations and gave warnings. The Right of Way team cleaned up 40 yards of garbage and collected 20 stolen grocery carts. Additionally, TSU made 25 traffic related stops that resulted in seven citations, and handled a traffic crash.

EPD was highly visible during this operation, with its command bus parked in plain view in the Gilbert Shopping Center near Hwy 99 and Fairfield, the jail van in use for the entire operation, plus TSU motorcycles, patrol vehicles, and the new Ubco Electric bikes.