Suspect Charged After Video Of Theft Posted Online

Eugene Police Department

On August 13, 2021, Eugene Police property crimes detectives observed video of a bike theft that was posted to YouTube and shared online. Police received information that the bystander, who recorded the video, happened to be in the area when he observed the suspect, Allen Clayton Townsend, age 33, of Eugene, steal a bicycle from outside Brail’s Restaurant at 1689 Willamette Street. Townsend subsequently rode off on the bike, and the bystander followed on an electric scooter and is observed in the video telling Townsend several times to drop the bike. 

The bystander continued to follow Townsend toward campus. Townsend eventually dismounted from the bike, tripping the bystander while also falling to the ground, and is then viewed aggressing the bystander before fleeing from the location on foot. The bystander returned the bike to the location and victim from where it was stolen. 

Townsend was in custody at the Lane County Jail after a previous arrest on unrelated charges. He was subsequently charged with Theft in the Second Degree, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Harassment.

As a reminder, police want to caution the public on the dangers of approaching and following an unknown suspect, and to contact police immediately if a crime is observed.

Link To YouTube Video (click here)