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Eugene police chief outlines DA-led probe of shooting, cites large drug seizure and staffing strain
Summary
Chief Skinner told the commission a recent deadly‑force incident is the subject of a district‑attorney criminal investigation, described an approximately 80‑pound meth seizure by the street‑crimes unit, and said the department remains short roughly 22–23 officers despite active hiring.
Chief Skinner briefed the Eugene Police Commission on a recent use‑of‑force incident that ended in a death, saying the district attorney’s office is conducting the criminal investigation and the department is keeping a hands‑off posture to preserve case integrity.
“We have completely hands off on this, and we will let that happen,” Skinner said, describing the DA’s lead role and the department’s desire to preserve evidence and avoid public commentary that could affect the inquiry. He said the subject of the incident was being treated at a local hospital and that the shooting will be examined by prosecutors before any internal or public determinations of justification.
Skinner also highlighted enforcement activity, saying the street‑crimes unit recently seized about 80 pounds of methamphetamine in what he described as the second‑largest seizure in recent local history; he referenced a prior large seizure from a few years earlier. He credited the unit’s work and noted that operations are possible because of local funding sources such as the community safety payroll tax.
On staffing, Skinner said the department is "hiring like crazy," has approved several recent hires and has a police‑academy graduation scheduled, but remains down roughly 22 to 23 sworn positions as officers retire or resign. He said that high turnover alongside active recruitment creates a two‑steps‑forward, one‑step‑back staffing dynamic.
Commissioners asked about the use of less‑lethal options in the incident; Skinner said distance and the weapon configuration can limit the effectiveness of some less‑lethal tools and that tactical judgments are made case by case. He emphasized the department’s duty to de‑escalate when possible but defended the officers’ actions given the circumstances described.
Skinner and commissioners repeatedly framed the briefing as constrained by the ongoing criminal investigation and declined to discuss investigative specifics while the DA’s office is reviewing the case.
