Chaos erupted in Skinner Butte Park earlier this week when a man was arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap a 19-month-old child. The Register-Guard reports that Eugene Police responded to a call at 10:11 a.m. on August 5, where witnesses described a physical altercation between two men and a potential child abduction in progress.
According to an official statement from Eugene Police, the suspect, identified as 55-year-old Anthony Wayne Reed, was found on top of a 74-year-old man, with the child nearby being held by onlookers. Reed reportedly began to walk away with the toddler after picking him up, declaring intentions to get the child help while claiming familiarity with the parents. The grandfather, struggling to protect his grandchild, was briefly strangled by Reed before bystanders intervened.
The City of Eugene's official release stated Reed became increasingly disorderly and could not communicate coherently when approached by officers. Subsequently, he was arrested and taken to Lane County Jail, facing charges including Kidnapping, Strangulation, and Disorderly Conduct. It was also discovered that Reed had an outstanding warrant for a Violation of Park Rules, Failure to appear.
The police intervention in the case helped prevent further harm, even though the child was held by others at the time they arrived. The community breathed a collective sigh of relief as the situation was contained without further escalation. Eugene Police continue to investigate the events leading to the distressing incident at Skinner Butte Park, which has left the community shaken but relieved at the child's safety. Details as to why Reed attempted to take the child are still under review by the authorities.
