Couple face federal charges in Bend BHO lab explosion

Two former Bend residents who were seriously burned in an alleged butane “honey” hash oil explosion at a northeast Bend duplex in March were arrested Tuesday by U.S. marshals in a Portland suburb, to face federal charges.

Arrest warrants were issued last week for David and Jennifer Paulson, both 32, for their involvement in the March 18 explosion at a duplex in the 3000 block of Northeast Weddell Road, said Lt. Nick Parker of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team.

Parker said investigators learned the couple were living in the town of Boring and requested assistance from federal marshals. The arrests occurred without incident, he added.

The couple have been indicated on federal crimes of manufacture or possession with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense hashish and endangering human life while illegally manufacturing a controlled substance.

The Paulsens were seriously burned, but a 3-year-old girl escaped injury in the explosion that several nearby citizens heard. The pair were taken to St. Charles Bend and later transfered to a Portland burn center.

The explosion caused significant damage to the duplex and led to evacuation of the neighboring duplex resident until the structure could be made safe.