54-year-old man arrested after climbing barbed-wire fence and ramming gate to free towed vehicle from secured lot

Eugene, OR – A 54-year-old man was arrested after police said he rammed a gate at a towing company in an attempt to free a vehicle that had been towed.

Officers were called at approximately 4:47 p.m. Aug. 31 to a report of a disorderly subject at a towing company in the 100 block of Cleveland Street.

According to police, the man came to the business to retrieve a vehicle from the secured parking lot but was unable to pay for it. An argument then followed.

The man, identified as Scott Lee Fergason of Cottage Grove, allegedly climbed over a barbed-wire fence and entered the vehicle inside the lot.

Police said Fergason then drove the vehicle into the gate, causing an estimated $2,500 in damage. A forklift had been parked in front of the gate to prevent the vehicle from leaving.

Officers arrived at the scene and arrested Fergason. Police said he admitted to using methamphetamine that day.

Fergason was booked into the Lane County Jail on charges of first-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal trespass.