EPD officers responded to hit-and-run crash on Royal Avenue, one person in custody

Eugene, OR – According to the police officials, this unfortunate incident occurred right after 9 p.m. on July 19, 2024.

Eugene Police officer responded to a hit and run crash report in the 4700 block of Royal Avenue.

While en route, the officer was on the phone with the 24-year-old male victim, overhearing the victim’s attempts to persuade the suspect to stay and exchange information. According to the victim, the suspect had sideswiped his vehicle, and he had followed the suspect into the Albertson’s parking lot.

The suspect, later identified as 66-year-old Dennis Lorenzo Ermani, exited his vehicle and entered the store. The victim waited for Ermani to return and called the police in the meantime. Upon his return, Ermani attempted to leave without exchanging information.

The responding officer contacted Ermani by phone, attempting to reason with him. However, Ermani falsely claimed to be in a different location and then hung up on the officer.

The officer proceeded to Ermani’s residence and waited for him, observing from a concealed vantage point. Upon Ermani’s arrival, the officer noted Ermani’s apparent stagger from his car, suspecting impairment.

Following an investigation, Ermani was arrested and transported to Lane County Jail on charges including DUII, Hit and Run, and Driving While Suspended. Additionally, he was issued citations for violating Ignition Interlock Device requirements and Careless Driving.