Man arrested for Kidnapping in the Second Degree

Eugene Police Department

In the early morning hours of July 18, 2021, Eugene Police responded to a missing person report in downtown Eugene, near West Broadway and Olive Street. Patrol officers canvassed the area and after an extensive search with the help of family, the victim was not located. Later in the morning, the victim awoke in a commercial shop in the town of Creswell, Oregon.  

The victim was alone in the shop and exited to summon help. The victim called her family and reported she was safe. Eugene Police Special Investigations Unit detectives and the Creswell Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to conduct an investigation. SIU detectives arrived at about 8:40 in the morning of July 18 and started an area search for a possible location of the commercial shop on N. Mill Street.  

 

SIU detectives, while searching the area observed a man in the area, later identified as Jesus Martinez Cruz, age 23, of Eugene. Cruz was driving a white 2012 Ford Transport van and his behavior was suspicious. After Martinez-Cruz left the location, detectives followed him and ultimately found his vehicle at his residence in south east Eugene.

 

SIU detectives conducted further investigation with the help of Downtown Public Safety station manager, Lane Community College Public Safety and University of Oregon Police and SIU detectives developed probable cause for arresting Martinez-Cruz for Kidnapping in the Second Degree. 

 

Later on July 18, 2021, SIU detectives and EPD patrol officers arrested Martinez-Cruz at his residence.  Further evidence was collected and Martinez-Cruz was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Kidnapping in the Second Degree. 

The Eugene Police Department is concerned about the potential for any other victims. If anyone has had a similar incident, they are asked to call 541.682.5144. 

Case 21-10886