Bystanders Chase and Hold Fleeing Suspect After Rollover Crash in Eugene

By Diane Megaw On Apr 7, 2026 Last updated Apr 7, 2026

EUGENE, Ore. — Eugene Police officers responding to 911 reports of a rollover crash on Friday at 5:09 p.m at E. 11th Avenue and Franklin Boulevard found one driver who had left the scene on foot was chased and then held down by bystanders.

After the crash- between a Ford Econoline and a Toyota Highlander- the Econoline driver fled, but bystanders pinned him down at 11th and Kincaid.

Tidings Insight

Leaving an injury crash is its own felony in Oregon. That means a driver can face hit and run charges even before prosecutors prove impairment.

When police arrived at 5:15 p.m., the driver of the van, 38-year-old Franklin Winter Aurich III, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being lodged at the Lane County Jail.

All three occupants of the Toyota Highlander were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Aurich is facing charges of DUII, Hit and Run- Felony, Driving While Suspended- Misdemeanor, Reckless Driving, three counts of Reckless Endangering, Assault in the Second Degree, and Aggravated Driving While Suspended.

Tidings Context

Aggravated driving while suspended is a separate felony used when a suspended driver causes serious physical injury or death while driving under a suspension tied to an earlier motor vehicle crime.

Eugene Lane County