Location: 500 Block of S 53rd St | Springfield, OR
Case Number: 24-1253
Date/Time: 02/19/24 @ 8:30 PM
More Information: Public Information Coordinator | spdpi@springfield-or.gov
Completed By: Zak Gosa-Lewis
INVOLVED SUSPECT:
Vanwormer, James Clayton 42 Year-Old Male | Springfield, OR
NARRATIVE OF INCIDENT:
On February 19, 2024, at approximately 8:30 PM, the Springfield Police Department received a 911 call regarding a domestic violence incident near the 500 block of S. 53rd Street. The caller stated that he had been repeatedly pepper sprayed by a male suspect and that the suspect had also repeatedly punched a female victim who was in need of medical attention.
An SPD patrol officer located the suspect, James Vanwormer, nearby. When contacted, the suspect quickly advanced towards the lone officer. Attempting to deescalate, the officer backed away from Vanwormer and requested cover from additional officers. Once a cover officer arrived, both officers attempted to take the suspect into custody. Vanwormer resisted, precipitating a struggle between him and the officers which resulted in physical force being necessary to take him into custody.
Officers returned to the scene, were able to locate the female victim, but the original male caller had departed. The victim reported that Vanwormer broke into her room after she had refused his unwanted advances. Vanwormer then pepper sprayed the original caller and struck the female victim multiple times in the head.
Vanwormer was taken into custody and lodged at the Lane County Jail.
CHARGES:
Assault IV | Disorderly Conduct | Resisting Arrest