Eugene Police respond to protest activity and multiple arrests downtown

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department responded to protest activity downtown on the evening of September 23, 2025, which included an altercation, property damage, and multiple arrests.

At around 10 p.m., officers were called to the 300 block of East 7th Avenue after a man was pepper-sprayed near Good Times. Police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Ryan Steven Payne of Portland. He was later arrested for unlawful use of mace and harassment after being seen in a crowd of protesters. Payne was taken into custody at 12:45 a.m. on September 24 and booked into the Lane County Jail.

An hour later, at 11 p.m., officers observed 19-year-old Cade Soren Watson of Eugene spray painting graffiti on the Ferry Street Bridge. After removing his shirt and entering a vehicle, Watson was stopped by police and taken into custody without incident for criminal mischief. He was also lodged in the Lane County Jail.

Earlier in the day, a demonstration began around 2 p.m. at the Federal Building on East 7th Avenue. At 4:30 p.m., police were called to East 6th Avenue and High Street after reports of a physical altercation. Both individuals had left the area before officers arrived, though one was later found with visible injuries several blocks away.

By sunset, approximately 60 individuals had gathered outside the Federal Building, many wearing Black Bloc-style clothing. Participants were seen throwing objects at Federal Protective Service agents and damaging property.

Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner said the department remains committed to adhering to sanctuary laws, while also addressing criminal activity at protests. “I’m deeply concerned when people travel from outside our community to participate in these protests,” Skinner said.

The protest ended around 2 a.m. on September 24. Police reported that no force was used by officers during the event.