Central Oregon drug investigation leads to kidnapping arrest after victim’s finger amputated
CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) -- A Central Oregon drug investigation led to charges against three men and unraveled a kidnapping and assault case involving an amputated finger. Authorities seized a firearm and over two pounds of methamphetamine during the operation.
The investigation involved the Redmond Police Department, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team and the Central Oregon Major Incident Team. Detectives linked suspect Efram Palafox to an abduction that began at a hospital in Redmond before expanding into a multi-agency operation across Deschutes and Jefferson counties.
Detectives with the Redmond Police Department Street Crimes Unit received information that Jeffrey Patton, 51, of Redmond, was returning to Central Oregon from the Portland area. Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Thomas Dopp, 57, of Redmond, with Patton as a passenger.
A drug detection canine alerted to controlled substances in the vehicle, leading to a search warrant that yielded a firearm and more than two pounds of suspected methamphetamine. Both Patton and Dopp were booked into the Jefferson County Adult Jail on drug possession, drug delivery and firearm charges.
Investigators identified Palafox, 41, of Bend, as an associate of Patton. On Aug. 12, an adult male was reported missing after last being seen late Aug. 11 at St. Charles Medical Center in Redmond. Surveillance video from the medical center showed Palafox leaving with the missing man against his will.
Detectives determined the victim was taken to an area southeast of Redmond in Deschutes County, where he was tied to a tree, tattooed in a derogatory manner and had a finger amputated during an assault. On Aug. 12, the victim was located walking near the Deschutes Pet Lodge with severe injuries. Emergency responders provided aid and transported him to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for treatment.
Police arrested Palafox without incident near NE Butler Market Road and NE 27th Street in Bend while in possession of methamphetamine and cash. On Aug. 12, officers executed a search warrant at Palafox's residence on Powell Butte Highway, recovering the victim's missing finger, DNA evidence and a suspected weapon.
Palafox was booked into the Deschutes County Adult Jail on charges of first-degree kidnapping, first- and second-degree assault, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, cocaine possession and seven counts of firearm possession by a prohibited person.
