Eugene Police urge caution & ask for help in alleged Autzen-area rapes

EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- Eugene Police is urging caution and asking for help in what may be series of rapes near Autzen Stadium.

EPD believes that as many as three women have been raped near Autzen Stadium in the last week.

While no victims have stepped forward and filed police reports yet, Eugene Police say they have confidential and credible information from sources who say as many as three different rape incidents have happened since June 28th, 2012.

Police say the first incident, according to a source, happened somewhere in the area of the bike paths near the stadium. The source told police that on June 29th, 2012, around 10 p.m., a woman walking alone on an Autzen bike path was raped by a man who was carrying a knife.

With that incident, the source also described a suspect.

That description matched with another source’s report made to EPD of two similar incidents on unknown dates.

EPD has now ramped up patrol in the Autzen area now, but they are hoping those allegedly involved will come forward.

“Their may be more victims out there and if there are anymore victims.. We want to hear about that,” says Lt. Sam Kamkar with the Eugene Police Department.

Police are especially concerned with preserving evidence in the alleged cases.

The alleged rape suspect is described as a black male around 6 feet tall, 200 pounds and with a muscular build and shaved head.

In the meantime, Eugene Police are urging people to be cautious in the Autzen area.

Use a buddy system if you are walking after dark, walk in lighted areas as much as possible, make eye-contact if you see someone and keep your distance.

If you are attacked, fight back and make as much noise as possible, even if the suspect displays a weapon.