From Beauty to Bulletproof Vests

 

In our last post, we made a trip to Eugene to have our once feral kitty spayed. Terry had just stepped out of the car to go into Arby's to use the bathroom. We said we would meet each other once I could park. 

***

I pulled into the Bi-Mart and Grocery Outlet parking lot due to the closure of Silver Lane. Silver Lane is where my high school, North Eugene High sits, but the entire lane was blocked off with police SUVs.

I drove through the lot, trying to settle on a place to park. Terry was in Arby's, across Silver Lane and I wasn't certain as to him being able to return to the car. The parking lot was filled with police and fire vehicles. I have never seen quite so many police units in one spot. Finding a place in the center of the lot, I pulled in and began to text my husband. 

Texting Terry, he informed me that he was wondering how to get over to me once he is finished getting some food for us. I proceeded to let him know what was happening while he was inside the store. I really wanted to say, "Please, stay inside Arby's until this is over," because I was scared as to what was going on. Although typically there are only a couple of reasons for this many police to be called out, one being a shooter. The other a hostage situation. 

Movement in the background caught my eye. I looked up from the phone and saw another van pull in, with "Emergency Crisis Negotiation Team" posted on the side. I swallowed hard. "Oh, my God. Would my husband make it back to me in one piece?" 

Another vehicle pulled into the lot. It was a gray vehicle, completely devoid of any writing. The back doors opened and out jumped a team of police, dressed in what looked like army gear, with "Police" written on the back of the shirts. I focused on the weapons they were carrying. This wasn't just another day at the store. There was trouble brewing somewhere. 

My heart began to pound ... where was the person they are looking for? Am I okay, sitting alone in this parking lot? I kept texting Terry, showing him pictures and worrying about his safety. Our conversation carried on for several moments, ensuring our wellness, and discussing how to get to each other.

Vicki: Hey, I can't get over there. I am at Bi-Mart right now. They just called in a police crisis negotiation team. So apparently somebody is holding hostages somewhere. 

Terry: Do you want me to buy food and walk to you?

Vicki: They have police from Carl's Jr. all the way over to the bowling alley and Abby's Pizza, past Bi-Mart. And yes, there's no way I can get over there. 

Terry: What do you want?

Vicki: Just get a chicken sandwich. I've got water. 

Terry: Okay.

Vicki: Yeah, there's some shit going down because they just brought in a big old black tank looking thing. (Turned out to be the SWAT team)

Terry: I hope I can get to you after I leave here. 

Vicki: Yes, just be super, super careful walking over here, babe. I don't need some nut job with a gun taking you out. 

Terry: Yeah, I need to be with my girls. (Me and Esme)

Vicki: Oh, yes, you do, baby. 

I shared the above photos with Terry at this time.  

Vicki: They have some major fire power going on. 

Terry: Just waiting for our order. Hope I can get to you. 

Vicki: Active shooter in the area. School is on lockdown. 

Terry: Without becoming collateral damage. 

Vicki: Don't even joke about that babe. 

Terry: Is it a shooting at the school itself?

Vicki: Not sure or if the shooter is loose. 

Terry: I hope I can get to you.  

Vicki: Marina is getting reports that they arrested some students at North. 

Terry: If you can, take more pics for the blog. (Always thinking about the blog, LOL)

Vicki: They just sent in another unit. 

Terry: Not expecting this. 

Vicki: Me either. 

More and more officers in all types of gear began to descend on the area. I certainly would not want to be the person they were searching for or that was holding hostages inside one of the buildings ...

People were still walking around in all corners of the lot. What was happening? Is there someone inside Grocery Outlet holding it up? Hostages? But then again, I see people pushing carts out of the store. They seem calm. Terry and I continued to figure out how to meet up at the outside corner of Grocery Outlet:

Terry: Getting ready to come now. 

Vicki: BE CAREFUL!    

Terry: I'm by Grocery Outlet, where are you?

Vicki: I will come to you. 

During the chat with Terry and watching what was going on outside the car, I was also texting with our family to let them know we were in the middle of this mess and that we were safe. 

I sent these photos to show the girls what was happening. This was while speaking with Terry and not really knowing what the situation was at all.

Vicki: Bi-Mart and Grocery Outlet on River Road. Crisis negotiation team and a ton of cops, plus a news crew. 

Marina: Active shooter in the area. School on lockdown. 

Vicki: Oh, shit. Mainly focused on Grocery Outlet. 

Marina: They arrested some students. 

Vicki: Wow. What the hell? Was the shooting at the school?

Marina: No. It was off grounds I heard. I saw that two boys were arrested, maybe three. 

Vicki: Thanks for the update. I am in the Grocery Outlet parking lot. They just brought in another unit too. 

Jess: OMG, be safe!

Vicki: (Looking up news on phone) School no longer on lockdown, but nobody allowed in or out yet. All are accounted for. Classes are continuing as usual.

It felt so surreal, so out of touch with our typical Eugene visit. Our conversations are above. These took place as the situation became larger in terms of police being brought in and the parking lot filling with emergency vehicles. Back to where Terry and I were able to meet:

I received another text from Terry. He was crossing the street and coming toward me, although he had no idea where I was in the sea of cars. I began to walk in front of Grocery Outlet, toward Arby's across the street. I saw my sweet man walking toward me and we met up. I felt safe and secure again, knowing he was here. 

Our conversation in the family chat continued:

Terry: We were trying to get to Arby's on River Road but traffic was stopped for a few. Vicki was able to make it to the Grocery Outlet/Bi-Mart parking lot, while I waited in Arby's for our order. Once I got it, I had to cross Silver Lane to get to the car. The entire street was blocked off, but they let me through. 

Terry: Still a police presence here and they're flying drone reconnaissance, so we assume the situation is still unresolved. We are eating in the parking lot watching the drone fly. Good times. 

Dawn: That's crazy and scary. Be safe. 

Terry: We just spoke to a Eugene cop who said they're still searching for another suspect. Vicki just finished eating and we're bailing!

Dawn: Thanks for the update and drive careful!

Terry: Thanks, Dawn. 

From the car we watched more police arrive, some were leaving, and then drones were being sent into the air. This continued for about 45 minutes or so. Terry searched the Internet for anything news worthy concerning this situation. It was difficult to find, but he found some things on Reddit. 

Apparently a group of young men were in an altercation in the parking lot of the apartments across the street from North Eugene High School. Whatever they were fighting about became heated and gunfire was heard. 

The school immediately went into lockdown on advice from the police department. Suddenly the area was swarming with every team in the police and fire departments imaginable. 

Reports were coming in that two or three boys were arrested. At first it was said they were students, but later we read it was unknown if they were or not. Police are still investigating. 

As we sat watching it all unfold and reading about what was going on, I was grateful Terry was back at my side. It only takes a second for life to change. I couldn't bear the thought if this had been worse. Life, as we all know it, is nothing to take for granted. One second and the life we are living, the loved ones we are with can be gone. 

We did find out from one of the officers here that they were still looking for another suspect that happened to escape from the altercation earlier. He was armed or at least that was what they assumed at the time.

We thanked the officer and wanted to go home. Home, where it's peaceful and sane. Away from the chaos that was unfolding today in Eugene, Oregon. May everyone be safe and sound, and all of this sorted out. 

Bless the first responders for doing what they do to keep us all safe from situations such as these. It was also reported that gunfire was heard, and some bullets were shot up into the air. Dangerous, chaotic situation. 

We hit the freeway to get out of town as quickly as possible. Terry placed his warm, loving hand on my leg again as I drove us toward our home. I have never felt as comforted from his hand as today. It was nice and makes me realize once more just how blessed I am. 

Our little Esme was sleeping in her crate in the backseat of the car. She was quiet and I'm sure happy to be going home too. It was quite the trip. All of us needed to return to our sanctuary, our loving home filled with all of our fur babies and lots of love. I know I'm ready to be home. After today's adventure, I do have one question though ... what is it about Arby's that creates events in our life?

Homeward bound
Home where my thought's escaping
Home where my music's playing
Home where my love lies waiting
Silently for me  --Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel

 

Thank you all for reading our blog. We appreciate each of you.

*Note: We heard all the details of the shooting from an officer on the scene and online. As the story unfolds, reports may or may not be accurate, as with any new story being released as it happens. Facts will come out later as the news sources begin their coverage and once details are found, the news tends to be more accurate. There was one news crew interviewing someone on the scene, so we do know the story will be reported and facts will be released soon.