At about 2 p.m. today a Eugene police officer responded to a call from a tenant of the Von Klein Property Management complex on Patterson Street. The officer encountered an individual trespassing and drinking a beer on the porch. The trespasser started to leave before refusing, coming back and pushing the officer out of his way. A physical struggle occurred  in the officer’s attempt to arrest the individual.

“A citizen had to step in and help get the guy into custody,” Eugene Police Lieutenant Eric Klinko said. “We are really grateful that a citizen who saw an officer struggling, and the citizen stepped in and could’ve likely prevented the officer from sustaining any serious injury.”

The trespasser sustained minor lacerations in his head and was sent to the hospital. The officer was sent as well for minor injuries to his arms and legs.

Both the officer and the trespasser will be treated and released later today said Klinko.