SPRINGFIELD – A former city councilor is facing felony charges after a parking lot dispute led to the brandishing of a weapon. Former Ward 5 councilor, Victoria Marie Doyle, 56, has been charged with four counts of unlawful use of a firearm.
On the afternoon of Aug. 16, an incident occurred involving Doyle and two brothers who were simultaneously backing out of their parking spots at Walmart on Olympic Street, leading to a verbal argument.
The brothers reportedly left the parking lot, and Doyle pursued them at high speed. The chase ended at a dead-end street, where Doyle is said to have pointed a gun at the brothers over her steering wheel. After a brief exchange of words, Doyle departed from the scene.
“SPD Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of 16th Street regarding a Menacing complaint alleging the unlawful use of a weapon, pursuant to a driving dispute,” according to Springfield Leiut. George Crolly. “Officers responded and, after interviewing the complainant and witnesses, located and contacted Doyle at a separate location.”
Doyle reportedly initially denied pointing a gun, asserting that she only “used her finger” to gesture at the brothers regarding their behavior. However, she later admitted to having used her firearm and acknowledged that it was not the right thing to do.
The City of Springfield announced Doyle’s resignation on Aug. 7 – over a week before the incident in the parking lot occurred. She has represented Ward 5 since January 2023.
Doyle stated that she is stepping down due to “increased responsibilities with her employer and a desire to prioritize family commitments.” She said during her resignation that she hoped to remain plugged in to local politics from a citizen perspective.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve this community. I’ve learned so much and had the privilege of working alongside city staff and councilors who bring integrity and compassion to public service. I am proud of the work we’ve done together, and I’m grateful to have been part of it,” Doyle stated.
Doyle has been charged with four counts of unlawful use of a weapon, and the case has been referred to the Lane County District Attorney’s office for prosecution.
According to Crolly, a person commits the crime of unlawful use of a weapon if the person attempts to use unlawfully against another, or carries or possesses with intent to use unlawfully against another, any dangerous or deadly weapon. A person commits the crime of menacing if by word or conduct the person intentionally attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury. The number of counts is based on the number of victims of the crime.
The last item on the agenda, the Springfield City Council will discuss the vacancy in Ward 5 at its regular meeting on Sept. 2, which begins at 7 p.m.
Ward 5 is primarily located between 42nd Street and Straub Parkway. Candidates wishing to fill this position must reside within that ward. The terms expire Dec. 31, 2026, at which point the position will go up for a vote.
