Police initiated enforcement project within the Whiteaker neighborhood leads to arrest and increased safety efforts

Eugene, OR – According to the statement, over the past week, the Eugene Police Department has noted an increase in criminal activity in and around the Whiteaker neighborhood.

In response, EPD initiated an enforcement project within the neighborhood to mitigate the criminal conduct. During this project, an individual entered Randall’s Automotive, stole some tools, and fled the location with the owner chasing him.

Officers assigned to the enforcement project located the suspect, who subsequently fought with officers and punched one officer in the face. The officers were able to successfully arrest the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Kiefer Nephi Gilfoy. He was transported to Lane County Jail and lodged on charges including Assault on a Public Safety Officer, Burglary in the Second Degree, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest under case 24-11198. The officer who was assaulted returned to full duty.

The enforcement project prioritized extra patrols in the Whiteaker neighborhood, specifically around Washington Jefferson and Maury Jacobs Parks. EPD’s Housing Support Officers have been active in the area over the past few days and noted significant improvements, with fewer issues reported.

However, they emphasized that continued presence would always benefit the neighborhood. EPD plans to continue periodic enforcement projects based on crime trends, community input, and patrol staffing.

Funded by the Community Safety Payroll Tax, EPD’s Housing Support Officers focus on addressing issues related to homelessness. These officers are dispatched to camping complaints when available and receive training on trauma-informed policing, local social service providers, and other city services related to the unhoused and code enforcement. They work to gain compliance and connect unhoused individuals with available services.