When fans were heading out for game day excitement in Eugene, Oregon, the traffic around MLK Boulevard and Centennial Boulevard suddenly turned into chaos.
What began as a routine traffic stop quickly became a dramatic police chase, leaving vehicles at a standstill and drivers frustrated.
What Happened During the Incident
According to the Eugene Police Department (EPD), the chase started shortly after 3 p.m. on November 14. Officers tried to stop a vehicle near the Valley River Center area, but the driver refused to pull over.
Instead of stopping, the suspect continued eastbound on MLK Boulevard, speeding through traffic and hitting several police cars along the way. The pursuit finally ended when the vehicle was stopped on an overpass.
Officials confirmed that people from the vehicle were detained, though no major injuries were immediately reported. The incident caused massive traffic backups around the area, right when thousands of fans were heading to the game.
Impact on Game Day Traffic
The timing couldn’t have been worse. With the city already packed for a major game day, drivers experienced long delays near Centennial Boulevard, MLK Boulevard, and nearby routes.
Police urged people to avoid the area and use alternate roads until the situation was cleared. Many commuters and fans took to social media to share their frustration about being stuck for over an hour.
Below is a summary of the traffic and response timeline:
| Time | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 3:05 p.m. | Police attempt traffic stop | Driver refuses to yield |
| 3:15 p.m. | Pursuit begins | Vehicle moves eastbound on MLK Boulevard |
| 3:25 p.m. | Collisions reported | Several police vehicles hit |
| 3:30 p.m. | Vehicle stopped | On overpass; suspects detained |
| 3:45 p.m. | Traffic diversions begin | EPD redirects vehicles away from the area |
Police Response and Investigation
The Eugene Police Department quickly responded with multiple patrol units to contain the situation and ensure public safety. The area remained closed for some time as officers examined the scene, collected evidence, and towed damaged vehicles.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the driver or any possible charges. However, the investigation is ongoing, and more updates are expected as EPD continues its review.
Officials also thanked residents and drivers for their patience and cooperation during the disruption.
What Drivers Should Know
- Plan alternate routes around MLK and Centennial Boulevard during busy hours.
- Stay updated through official police and traffic alerts.
- Always pull over safely when instructed by law enforcement to avoid serious legal trouble or accidents.
The Eugene Police Department reminded drivers that failure to yield during a traffic stop is a serious offense that can lead to criminal charges and endanger others.
The police chase near MLK and Centennial Boulevards turned an ordinary game day into a scene of tension and heavy traffic in Eugene.
While no major injuries were reported, the incident serves as a strong reminder of how quickly road safety can be compromised when drivers refuse to follow the law. EPD’s quick action prevented what could have been a far more serious situation.