UPDATE: An arrest has been made in the robbery of a University of Oregon student at the UO's Baker Downtown Center this morning.
Eugene Police arrested Valora June Rivera, 44 of Eugene, near 11th Avenue and High Street around 11 a.m. Rivera was charged with second-degree robbery and second-degree criminal trespass, and transported to Lane County Jail. Rivera had been issued a letter of trespass from university property in October 2013, adding trespassing to the robbery charge. Police did not recover a weapon from the suspect or in the immediate vicinity.
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A University of Oregon student has reported that she was robbed in a parking lot just east of the Baker Downtown Center near 10th Avenue and Mill Street at about 8:00 Wednesday morning (Feb. 12).
The student reports she was sitting in her car in university lot 1D, when she was approached by a woman who was walking south down the alley to the east of the Baker Center. The woman started a conversation with the student, but then claimed that she needed money and threatened the student, while turning to reveal what appeared to be the handle (or "grip") of a gun in an outside jacket pocket. The student gave her a small amount of cash and the suspect fled south on foot down the alley. The student described the suspect as a black woman in her mid-40s to early 50s, between 5-foot-2 and 5-foot-6, medium build, with light skin, graying tight curly shoulder-length hair, wearing a dark, mid-thigh-length jacket and dark pants, and carrying a red umbrella.
This incident is unresolved and an investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this or similar incidents should call Eugene Police at 541-682-5111 or UOPD at 541-346-2919. Updates regarding this incident, when and if available, will be posted on the UOPD website at police.uoregon.edu.
CAMPUS SAFETY TIPS FROM UOPD
No action or inaction by a crime survivor makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects. The following suggestions may help reduce the possibility of experiencing such a crime, or may improve opportunities to receive prompt assistance.
It is a crime to intentionally touch someone against his or her will, regardless of the situation.
Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas. Be aware of surroundings, and attempt to keep a safe distance from strangers.
Whenever possible, keep valuables secured and out of sight.
Use UO Safe Ride (541-346-RIDE ext. 2), call a taxicab, or contact UOPD for an on-campus escort (541-346-2919).
If you feel you or others are in danger, call 9-1-1.
To report suspicious, illegal or unusual activity on campus, call UOPD at 541-346-2919. For emergencies or if you see a crime being committed, call 9-1-1.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SURVIVORS OF CRIME
For students, a range of support services are available through the Office of the Dean of Students, 541-346-3216; uodos@uoregon.edu.
For students, personal counseling and other support services are available through the University Counseling and Testing Center, 541-346-3227 (available 24 hours); counseling.uoregon.edu/dnn.
For students, medical and sexual assault examination services are available at University Health Center, 541-346-2770; healthcenter.uoregon.edu.
For employees, the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, 541-346-3123, and Office of Human Resources, 541-346-3159, can assist in connecting to resources.
Other community resources available are Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS), 541-343-7277 (24 hour crisis line) or 541-484-9791, Womenspace, 541-485-8232 or 541-485-6513 (24 hour crisis line), and White Bird Clinic Counseling, 541-342-8255 541-687-4000 (24 hour crisis line).
- from UOPD