Reported rape on Fern Ridge Trail prompts Eugene police patrols

The Eugene Police Department announced Wednesday increased patrol efforts on the Fern Ridge Trail bike path along Amazon Creek in Eugene after reports that a woman was raped in the area last Thursday.

Eugene Police are actively searching for an unidentified man following the incident, according to a department news release.

The woman described the suspect as white, about 40 years old, with brown hair and last seen wearing a black and white sleeveless shirt with writing along the back, green shoes and a tattoo on one of his arms.

The suspect was seen pushing a bicycle and later used it to flee, according to the release.

The department asked anyone with information regarding the suspect to contact the non-emergency line at (541)-682-5111.

Staying safe in Eugene

The following are some personal safety tips that the Department has shared:

• 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 who 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. 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.

Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Reported rape on Fern Ridge Trail prompts Eugene police patrols