Eugene, Ore. – On July 17 at 11:11 p.m., a Eugene Police officer was dispatched to a domestic dispute in the 3100 block of Duke Snider Avenue in Eugene.
Prior to police arrival, the male suspect, James Scott Sanders, age 50, had left the residence and gotten into his van, which was parked nearby. There was probably cause for Sanders for Menacing APA (Abuse Prevention Act).
Sanders barricaded himself inside the van and refused to exit. He was armed with a knife and was making threats. After negotiation attempts failed, officers broke out a side window and deployed pepper balls inside. Sanders grabbed his knife and a blanket, came outside and advanced on officers while making suicide-by-cop statements. Less than lethal options were deployed including tasers, pepper ball, and 40-millimeter sponge rounds to gain compliance and disarm Sanders safely.
These didn’t have an effect as Sanders used his blanket to deflect them, while retaining his knife and continuing to make suicide-by-cop statements. EPD asked and LCSO sergeant to assist with crisis negotiations and after more than an hours of outstanding work, Sanders threw his knife out the window and surrendered to officers peacefully.
Sanders was transported to Lane County Jail where he was lodged on charges including Menacing APA and Interfering with Police. Case 22-10806
(Information from EPD)
