Oregon police are responsible for investigating and stopping all sorts of criminal behavior. While some of this work is done away from the public eye, much of the police's actions can be seen by those near the supposed crime scene. While police are carrying out their job, police expect that Oregon citizen will not interfere with their work. If an Oregon resident does interrupt a police investigation that person could face criminal charges -- even if the person was not involved in the original incident.
This was the case recently for a University of Oregon track sprinter. The 22-year-old record-holding runner was charged with a misdemeanor after police officers claimed that he interfered with the arrest of another man.
According to police, they were trying to arrest a 29-year-old man following an altercation with a security guard. However, during this arrest, police allege that the UO student kept moving closer to the arresting officer despite warnings. The police also claim that the runner tried to pick up personal belongings of the other man during the arrest. Police say they told the student to drop the items but he failed to heed the instructions. Therefore, he was placed under arrest.
The UO student was charged with misdemeanor interfering with a police officer and was released an hour after his arrest. The University has said that they do not know how they will proceed following the man's arrest.
Whether or not this man faces punishments from UO, criminal punishments for misdemeanors can be serious. Those charged with misdemeanors can be sentenced to jail time, fines, community service, probation and more. These penalties can have long and short term effects on the accused. To avoid these penalties, those facing misdemeanor charges should take the accusations seriously and prepare a strong criminal defense.
Source: The Register-Guard, "Track star accused of misdemeanor," Josephine Woolington, May 1, 2014
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