Drug paraphernalia found at Pilot Butte

A Bend woman posted photos on Facebook of drug paraphernalia she said her son found at Pilot Butte.

The woman said Friday her son was looking for their dog’s ball at the base of the northeast Bend landmark when he came across an unwelcome surprise.

She posted several photos to the “I Love Bend, OR” community Facebook page, warning members to keep an eye out. One is a picture of a sunglasses case with at least five needles inside. The woman said the item in the other picture is a crack pipe. She said she smashed the crack pipe and threw the needles away in a “sharps” collector.

According to the Oregon State Parks Management Office, as well as Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint park host Nikki Harnish, this is not something they see very often.

“No, we had a run-in once with a drunk who was sleeping it off on the picnic table at the end of the field there. But no, this is family stuff, this is playground time,” Harnish said.

The woman who posted the photos said she called non-emergency dispatch about the items.

However, NewsChannel 21 spoke with Bend police who said it’s actually not uncommon for drug-related items to be found around town.

But Harnish said the worst she’s found is trash.

“I pick up a lot of cigarettes — that seems to be the biggest waste item, and I wish people would quit doing that. Pop cans sometimes, water bottles,” Harnish said.

“I’ve never felt anything but safe here even at night. We live here for the month, and I’ve never had any problems.”

If you come across any drug paraphernalia, you’re asked to report it immediately.