Eugene Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Suspect in Church Burglary and Vandalism



EUGENE, OR — The Eugene Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a person of interest involved in a burglary and extensive vandalism at Wesley United Methodist Church on Oakway Road.

Sometime overnight, the church was broken into, and thousands of dollars worth of music equipment and religious items were destroyed. In an act of further desecration, excrement was left in the worship area. Some of the church’s belongings were later found discarded along Oakway Road near St. Andrews Drive, just south of the church.

Security cameras at the church captured footage of a person exiting the building around 5:30 a.m. on April 1, and authorities are now working to identify them. Residents along Oakway Road are urged to check their home surveillance systems for any footage that may help with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Brandon Rathje at 541-359-6423 or via email at Brathje@eugene-or.gov.

Case Number: 25-05163

Information from EPD

Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest crime watch group in Lane County, Lane County Mugshots Uncensored, which currently has over 86,400 members. Support for local journalism is essential, and donations can be made via Venmo to @Michael-Weber-379 (last four digits of phone number: 0825).

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