Careers & Education

OR Firefighters Thwart Burglary Near Station

Nov. 28, 2018

Eugene-Springfield firefighters detained a man early Tuesday when they found him breaking into a store right behind their station.

By Chelsea Deffenbacher

Source The Register-Guard, Eugene, Ore.

Eugene-Springfield Fire Station 1 in Eugene, OR, where firefighters were returning from a call and found a man trying to break into a nearby store on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018.

Nov. 28 -- Eugene-Springfield firefighters detained a man early Tuesday morning after witnessing the man allegedly breaking glass inside a Willamette Street business.

Just before 2 a.m., fire crews were returning to Station 1 when they heard a loud noise that sounded like glass shattering, according to fire department spokeswoman Rachel Anderson.

Stargate, a spiritual gift shop on Willamette Street and West 13th Avenue directly behind the fire station, had been broken into and a man was still inside, Anderson said.

Fire crews called 911 but noticed the man leaving the location and detained him after he refused to stop. Police arrived soon after and arrested Ian Christopher Finneran, 36, of Eugene, on suspicion of second-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree disorderly conduct. The business suffered extensive damage, as did a vehicle parked outside.

"Firefighters have a heightened awareness for safety and protecting community members, they felt in this situation they needed to act quickly and they did so," Anderson later added. "Although I will note we don't encourage our crews to get involved in matters such as this one."

Finneran has not yet been formally charged. His arraignment is anticipated at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.