EUGENE, Ore. – A 22-year-old Eugene man was arrested Wednesday afternoon after allegedly assaulting a mother and her infant at Valley River Center, a local mall. The incident, which involved disturbing actions and a weapon, prompted a swift response from law enforcement.
According to the Eugene Police Department (EPD), officers were called to the mall at approximately 4:41 p.m. on February 26. The suspect, identified as Reeson Darrell Cofey, was accused of slapping a mother and spitting on her baby while a firearm was reportedly visible in his waistband.
EPD officials stated that, in response to the initial report of a man with a weapon in the mall, a thorough investigation was quickly launched. Police saturated the area with patrol officers and detectives to locate Cofey.
The investigation, conducted in collaboration with the Springfield Police Department, led authorities to a possible residence in Springfield linked to the suspect. A vehicle known to be driven by Cofey was seen arriving at the location, and he was observed entering the home. Eugene police then deployed a K9 unit, along with SWAT, crisis negotiation, and drone teams to secure the area.
After obtaining a search warrant for the residence, police issued a demand for Cofey to surrender. The suspect complied and was arrested without further incident.
Cofey was transported to the Lane County Jail, where he faces multiple charges, including unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, harassment, and fourth-degree assault. As of the latest reports, he remains in custody.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, and the community has expressed concern over the unsettling nature of the alleged assault, particularly involving a child. Police have not provided additional details about the condition of the mother or her baby, but the arrest marks an important step in addressing this troubling situation.
