08/09/2026
worldsworstevents Viewer Warning: This video discusses an alleged police use-of-force incident and may be disturbing to some viewers.
Eugene, Oregon - January 11, 2025
Eugene police responded to a vacant property on River Road after the owner reported a man removing scrap wood and metal from the land.
The man, identified as 41-year-old Jehoshaphat Commandest, reportedly believed he had permission to collect the materials after a neighbor told him he could take the scrap. When officers arrived, Commandest explained the situation and reportedly agreed to return the materials if requested.
According to a later lawsuit and dashcam footage, Commandest initially cooperated with officers and was handcuffed without resistance. The situation allegedly escalated while he was being es**rted toward a patrol vehicle.
Court filings allege that Officer Stephen Lahm struck Commandest in the face, briefly grabbed him by the throat, and used a Taser multiple times after Commandest turned his body during the es**rt.
Commandest was taken to jail and charged with trespassing and resisting arrest. The resisting charge was later dismissed, while he pleaded guilty to trespassing in December 2025.
The incident has raised questions about police use of force and how quickly a relatively minor property dispute can escalate into a serious confrontation.
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