By Gia Vang
EUGENE, Ore. -- Eugene city leaders are asking the public for patience before making any judgments about Officer Judd Warden, the officer who tased an international student last month.
EPD announced an internal investigation into the actions of Officer Warden, the same officer who tased University of Oregon student Ian Van Ornum last May.
Warden was called to an apartment complex on West 11th in September after someone reported trespassers. Warden used a taser on one of the two Chinese students found inside the apartment, but the reasons why are unclear.
When the students didn't file a complaint, Police Auditor Mark Gissiner took matters into his own hands, saying he wanted answers as to why the taser was used in this incident.
"After a period of time not hearing from them, I knew it was a very important case and so I opened the case myself," Gissiner said.
City Councilor Mike Clark said Warden was voted by his colleagues as Officer of the Year. He urges the public to allow the departments to complete an investigation before passing judgment.
"I'd ask everybody to calm down and wait and see that the investigation turns out and let the question be answered: Did the officer act within policy?" Clark said.
Comments
Eugene City Leaders: "Wait to Pass Judgment" on Officer Warden
I would like to see these City Leaders get off their lazy asses, and do the same days work as this police officer. I wish the Eugene police would all called in sick for a day or two. Let us see if any of the City Leaders would step up to do their job. I do not think so!
I do not go down town unarmed because of the same City Leaders. They have let the area become an area of crime. That is what happens when the police have their hands tied.
The mayor and most of the city counsel, are progressive liberal, socialist, leftist, who are arrogant asses. What else would you expect them? Vote them out of office now. Do you hear us now? http://912lane.org
Eugene Police Tasers
I think the tasers should be removed from use, at least until the officers using them have been RETRAINED in the proper use of them. Obviously something was missing during training the first time around because there has been way too many questionable events regarding there use in the very short time they have had them....
Tasers vs Pepper Spray vs Physical Force vs Leathal Force
Tasers have their place, recipients should be thankful they weren't subjected to alternative means of control. Ask the city attorney which alternative has the highest percentage of liability.
People putting themselves in a position to be a victim of any forceful police action need to look in the mirror and be accountable for their own actions. Having lived in Eugene all my life and never manage to get into an elevated confrontation with law enforcement. I wouldn't exactly call myself an angle either, I've had plenty of good times along the way.
The people coming into, being raised, and educated in this community are the problem, not law enforcement. Officers actually have guidelines to abide by and are held accountable for their actions, unlike a large percentage of the "citizens" in the community.
Maybe people should actually put forth an effort to become measurable assets to the community instead of liabilities.
I'm sick and tired of hearing all the whining in this community. Grow up people, be accountable for your actions, it's not all about your little world, it's a matter of compromise among 150,000 plus individuals, many whom have made life-long commitments to Eugene.
Mayor and council, I sincerely hope you are listening?
Eugene Advocates for a Clean City obviously understand the issues and action required to make a difference, maybe you should too.
Think before you spew nonsense
"People putting themselves in a position to be a victim of any forceful police action need to look in the mirror and be accountable for their own actions."
Sure, so from now on everyone should stay out of apartments that they are renting then?
Taser incidents timeline
This information raises other questions. The new incident happened on 9-22-09 . The civilian review board reviewed and voted on the Van Ornum case on 10-1-09. Timely release of the new information would have changed the outcome of the CRB vote it seems. Is there any reasonable excuse to have hidden the new case from the public for more than 24 hours after it happened. Was it legal to keep the new case secret ?