Eugene Police arrest 37-year-old man after blocking traffic and striking bus with bullhorn during protest near federal building

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department reported that a man was arrested after allegedly disrupting traffic and striking a public transit bus during a protest near the Eugene Federal Building.

According to police, the incident involved Christopher Henry Bennett, 37, who was accused of repeatedly walking into the number two traffic lane while yelling at officers. Authorities said his actions caused multiple vehicles to stop behind him despite having a green light.

Officers on scene reportedly warned Bennett several times to leave the roadway. Police said he continued the behavior, creating ongoing disruptions to traffic flow in the area.

During the incident, a Lane Transit District bus was attempting to turn south onto Pearl Street from West 6th Avenue while traffic had a green light. Police said Bennett was standing in the middle of the lane holding a bullhorn as the bus attempted to pass through.

As the bus moved forward, authorities said Bennett struck the front of the bus with the bullhorn.

When officers attempted to take him into custody, police said Bennett resisted arrest. He was eventually detained and transported to the Lane County Jail.

According to the Eugene Police Department, Bennett was lodged on multiple charges, including Resisting Arrest, Interfering with Public Transportation, and Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree.

Police said other individuals present at the protest shouted profanities at officers during the incident, though they complied with instructions to remain out of the roadway and outside of the designated construction zone.

The incident occurred in connection with ongoing construction activity around the Eugene Federal Building, where temporary security fencing is being installed. The project is being carried out by the U.S. General Services Administration, which manages federal property.

City officials previously stated that the fencing installation required temporary lane closures on Pearl Street and Seventh Avenue. The City of Eugene reviewed and approved a right-of-way permit for the work after determining that all requirements had been met.

Authorities emphasized that the federal government is exempt from certain state and local regulations on property it owns, allowing the fencing project to proceed.

The Eugene Police Department said it is working to maintain a safe and orderly environment during the construction process while also protecting constitutionally protected free speech rights.

Officials reminded the public that the marked construction zone is considered a closed area, and protests are not permitted within that space. Demonstrations are allowed in public areas as long as they do not interfere with normal traffic flow.

Police said they will continue to monitor the situation and asked for cooperation from the community to ensure safety and respect for all individuals involved.