Eugene Man Charged After Dog Waste Argument Turns Physical



EUGENE, Ore. — Mark D. Baker, 63, a member of the prominent Baker family that owned The Register-Guard newspaper for 91 years, was arrested* October 09, 2025**, following a confrontation over dog waste that allegedly escalated into assault and property damage.

Police say the incident occurred while Baker was walking his dog near Churchill Estates at 1919 Bailey Hill Road. When two residents confronted him about failing to pick up after the animal defecated on the lawn of Churchill Estates, Baker allegedly became physical: punching one person and damaging property.
Baker, whose family shaped Eugene’s media and civic landscape for nearly a century, was booked on three municipal charges: Assault, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, and Harassment (offensive physical contact).
The Baker family’s legacy in Eugene dates to 1927, when Alton F. Baker Sr. purchased the Eugene Guard. In 1930 he merged it with the Eugene Register to form The Register-Guard, which the family owned and operated until selling it to GateHouse Media in 2018. Alton Baker Park, a cornerstone park of the community, opened in the late 1950s and was officially dedicated to Alton F. Baker Sr. in June 1967.
Mark D. Baker’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 23, 2025, for a retained trial status readiness hearing, according to City of Eugene municipal court records.

Baker is innocent of all charges until proven guilty in a court of law. 
Information from EPD, Eugene Municipal court records, and an internet search for the history of The Register-Guard
*arrested according to EPD - records indicate he was cited in leu of custody
**EPD said the 10th, court record said the 9th

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 89,000 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).

You can also follow me on X: https://x.com/MugshotMike541 


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