Police have arrested a man they say recently threatened to kill Muslim worshippers at the Eugene Islamic Center. As KLCC’s Brian Bull reports, the same man was taken in after allegedly committing other bias crimes at Monroe Park.
Authorities say 44-year-old Chad Everett Russell showed up after prayers Monday night, and made physical threats against attendees.
Melinda McLaughlin is a spokeswoman for the EPD.
“Looked like he may or may not have had a concealed weapon on him at the time," she tells KLCC.
"So police quickly came and started to look for him.
"There was a really good description, and there was also a photo of him, which was very helpful.”
Patrols were stepped up around the Islamic Center.
Then on Tuesday afternoon, reports came in about a similar suspect involved in a dispute against two people in Monroe Park. Police arrived and arrested Russell.
McLaughlin says the alleged bias crimes involve race and sexual orientation.
Russell faces seven charges altogether from both incidents, including intimidation and disorderly conduct.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe account has been set up, to help improve the Islamic Center’s security and maintenance.
Copyright 2017, KLCC.
