Man arrested after causing panic with rifle-shaped object on Royal Avenue

Eugene, OR – A man who caused a public scare by brandishing what appeared to be a rifle on Royal Avenue in Eugene was safely taken into custody on Thursday afternoon. The object was later identified as a bong shaped like a semi-automatic rifle.

Eugene Police responded at 12:21 p.m. to a report of a man yelling threats to kill people while carrying what appeared to be a firearm in the parking lot of 4780 Royal Avenue. The man, later identified as 47-year-old Jacob Don Daniels, was seen walking along Royal Avenue and at one point sat on a curb, placing the object down.

When Daniels refused commands to move away from the item and began walking back toward it, officers deployed a 40mm less-lethal round. Police say Daniels had made statements indicating he wanted to be shot.

As a precaution, residents in the 4900 block of Royal Avenue were advised to shelter in place. The situation prompted a response from multiple Eugene Police resources, including the Drone Team and the Bearcat armored vehicle. Eugene Springfield Fire personnel also staged nearby.

Daniels was safely taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct. No injuries were reported. Police later confirmed that the object Daniels was carrying was not a real weapon, but a bong fashioned to resemble a firearm.