Eugene Police Department rescues man with warrants from culvert

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department reported that officers rescued a man with multiple warrants after he fled into a culvert on November 30. At approximately 1:57 p.m., officers were patrolling near the end of Kintyre Street in response to commercial burglary concerns when 41-year-old Nicholas Ian Tallman, previously known to police, ran toward the railroad tracks. Tallman had multiple warrants, including one from the Oregon State Penitentiary, and a history of fleeing from law enforcement.

Officers located Tallman about 100–150 feet into a culvert running east from Kintyre Street under several train tracks. Despite attempts to convince him to exit, Tallman crawled deeper into the culvert and made threatening statements.

Police deployed OC mist and pepper balls to encourage him to leave and sent a K9 unit, though it could not safely reach him. A police robot was also used but had limited response from Tallman.

The Eugene-Springfield Fire Department rescue team entered the culvert shortly after 6 p.m., secured a rope to Tallman’s ankles, and pulled him out. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being taken to Lane County Jail.

Tallman was lodged on multiple charges, including two counts of criminal trespass in the first degree, escape in the third degree, and his outstanding warrants.