EUGENE, Ore.– A 911 call to police about a trespasser lead to a violent confrontation in Eugene. It happened just before 2pm on Patterson Street near E Broadway. A police officer was asking a man to leave, but he refused. Witnesses say the suspect became aggressive with the officer. That’s when passerby Nate Ariel jumped in.
“When you see an officer go to the ground like that, that’s something that I’ve been trained with. You need to intervene at that point. That’s an issue, that’s dangerous,” said Ariel
As a member of the Oregon National Guard, Ariel says it was natural for him to intervene. He used his apprehension skills to successfully subdue the suspect so the officer could cuff the man. He doesn’t consider himself a hero.
“No different than going to Afghanistan. Just part of the job. Hopefully that’s what others will do in that situation when a police officer is in trouble,” said Ariel.
The officer and the suspect were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Nate escaped with a little pepper spray on him, but will be okay.