Man on BMX bike pulls gun on UO students

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON --  University of Oregon campus security said someone pulled a gun on a group of students just after 2 a.m. Saturday, January 9. All UO students received an e-mail that afternoon, alerting them of the harassment.

The students were walking east on E. 13th Avenue near the EMU. That's when university officials said two men on BMX-style bikes approached them. According to campus police, there was a brief altercation and one man pulled out what looked to be a semi-automatic handgun. One of the students was hit, but UO officials did not know how bad his injuries were.

Campus spokesman Phil Weiler said the university is taking the attack very seriously.

"It's very, very disturbing," said Weiler.

Students had mixed reactions to the news.

"I don't think it's going to change any of my habits," said UO junior Chris Lenci. "As it stands, I still think this campus is a pretty safe place."

"I just don't want to walk anywhere by myself," said freshman Elyse Pearman.

Weiler said students should not walk alone at night. He advises students to stay in well-lit areas, use the free shuttles, ask the campus Department of Public Safety for a free escort and trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy about someone or a situation, get away. Your instincts may be right.

Police want your help in finding the suspects. The first suspect is described as a white male in his early 20's. He is 5' 8" with a thin build. He has a blonde buzz cut and was armed with a semi-automatic handgun.

The second suspect is also a white man in his early 20's. He's about six feet tall and thin. Both men were on BMX-style bikes. One was orange. The other was black.

If think you know who these guys are or have any other information, call campus police at (541) 346-2919.