Eugene man arrested for DUII after police find gun with scratched-off serial number in BMW parked in middle of road

Eugene, OR – A 26-year-old Eugene man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants after a police officer found his BMW parked in the middle of East 41st Avenue and discovered a firearm with a scratched-off serial number, according to the Eugene Police Department.

The incident happened at approximately 11:09 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, when an officer spotted the BMW parked in front of a residence on East 41st Avenue. The vehicle had no license plates, although a temporary permit was displayed in the window.

The officer had to enter the oncoming traffic lane to get around the BMW before turning around to contact the driver, identified as Marcus Allan Johnson, 26, of Eugene.

According to police, the officer noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle and observed that Johnson’s eyes were bloodshot and dilated.

Johnson refused to identify himself and disputed that he was being stopped by police. He then rolled up the vehicle’s heavily tinted window and refused to get out of the BMW, police said.

Authorities described Johnson as hostile during the encounter. He placed one hand on the steering wheel and kept his other hand near the gear shifter, prompting the officer to take steps to prevent him from driving away.

The officer placed a tire deflation device under one of the BMW’s tires to prevent the vehicle from being used to flee the scene.

Police said Johnson subsequently began reaching around inside the vehicle, raising concerns that he might be reaching for a weapon. He also made a phone call while remaining inside the locked car.

The situation escalated when a resident of the house in front of which the BMW was parked came outside. According to police, the man appeared agitated by the officer’s presence and approached while holding a hand near the front of his waistband in a manner that led the officer to believe he might be armed.

The officer then attempted to open Johnson’s door, but Johnson quickly shut it and locked the vehicle again.

Johnson eventually exited the BMW and was taken into custody.

During the incident, officers discovered a firearm in a compartment near the steering wheel. The gun had a scratched-off serial number, according to the Eugene Police Department.

Police said Johnson is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Johnson was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), felon in possession of a firearm and disorderly conduct. He was subsequently booked into the Lane County Jail.

The department did not report any injuries in its account of the incident.