Detectives in the Eugene Police Department Special Investigations Unit arrested Marcus Crowe, 36, of Eugene, on Tuesday, September 21, following an investigation into reports the adult victim received a severe, penetrating wound after a sharpened metal pole or spear-like object was thrown at him during a verbal dispute.

The assault occurred in the area of W. 11th Avenue and Grant Street on the afternoon of August 31, police said.

"Crowe and an adult female known to Crowe were reportedly yelling racially offensive and derogatory terms in the area of the assault before directly accosting the victim, an African-American male, directly as he asked them to stop yelling the offensive terms in such a public place," EPD said.

The victim is a male in his late 20s, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, police said.

Crowe was charged with Assault in the Second Degree and Bias Crime in the Second Degree.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident who have not spoken directly to police are encouraged to contact Detective J. Baugh at (541) 682-5292, the department said.

"The Eugene Police Department takes a strong stance against bias related crimes and any victims or witnesses are encouraged to contact the police through either the emergency or non-emergency lines," EPD said.

Reports of bias crimes are investigated by the Special Investigations Unit of the Eugene Police Department.