Eugene police arrested a man suspected of using a GPS tracker to follow a woman, crashing into her car and later showing up at her workplace disguised in a mask and wig.

Clinton Louis Stockbarger, 49, was charged Tuesday, Aug. 18, in Lane County Circuit Court with stalking, unlawful use of a GPS device and failing to perform duties of a driver when property is damaged, among other charges.

Police say Stockbarger violated a stalking protection order granted to the woman earlier this month. 

A SWAT team and drone operators assisted with Stockbarger’s arrest Monday following a vehicle stop at West First Avenue and Seneca Road, at the end of a weekslong investigation, police said.

Stockbarger is alleged to have “repeatedly” followed and harassed the woman, police said, including going to her home and leaving a doorbell camera message in addition to calling and emailing her.

In Lane County, people worried that someone has placed a tracker in their vehicle to stalk them may reach out to Sexual Assault Support Services, a nonprofit providing free advocacy services.

“A survivor who suspects or knows that they are being tracked (or stalked via any other methods) can reach out directly to SASS to have an Advocate safety plan with them,” said Martina Shabram, the organization’s executive director, in an email.

Because many devices can track location, an assessment involves asking potential survivors of stalking about their personal technology use, Shabram said.

“Each person’s risk factors will be individual, and each person’s risk tolerance will be individual — we never pressure or push for a survivor to take any particular action, instead working with them to determine what is the best next step for them and resourcing them to move in that direction,” Shabram said.

The crisis and support chatline operated by SASS is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by texting 541-343-7277 or going online. After-hours support is available by calling the same number.

The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center on its website provides general tips for victims as listed below: 

  • Trust your instincts. Victims of stalking often feel pressured by friends or family to downplay the stalker’s behavior, but stalking poses a real threat of harm. Your safety is paramount.
  • Call police if you feel you are in immediate danger. Explain why the stalker’s actions are causing you fear.
  • Keep a record or log of each contact with the stalker. Be sure to also document any police reports.
  • Save evidence when possible. Stalkers often use technology to contact their victims. Save all emails, text messages, photos and postings on social networking sites as evidence of the stalking behavior. You may also want to consider how to use your technology and your devices in a safer manner. For more information, please visit the National Network to End Domestic Violence Safety Net Project’s tech safety site.
  • Get connected with a local victim service provider who can assist you in exploring your options as well as discuss safety planning.