Suspicious substance prompts evacuation at Deer Ridge state prison; 2 officers exposed, 1 taken to hospital
(Update: Adding video; More on unit where exposure occurred; 18 inmates moved to another prison)
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A suspicious substance was found in the disciplinary segregation unit at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution east of Madras, prompting the use of Naloxone and a trip to the hospital for one corporal and treatment of another prison officer who suffered an adverse reaction, officials said.
Eighteen male inmates who were in the unit have been moved to another state prison, an official said, and none reported any adverse reactions.
On Tuesday at around 2:20 p.m., DRCI security staff were informed of suspected contraband in the Disciplinary Segregation Unit at DRCI, Oregon Department of Corrections Communications Manager Amber Campbell told KTVZ News.
While conducting a search, a correctional corporal discovered an unknown substance, the agency said. The area was immediately secured and evacuated.
The institution activated an Incident Command Structure (ICS), shut down the air filtration system and contained the suspected substance.
The department said DRCI staff are working with Oregon State Police and the National Guard Civil Service Unit to investigate and assess any potential hazards.
The corporal received naloxone (Narcan) after direct exposure, was treated at a local hospital and released. A correctional officer in the area experienced an adverse reaction and was evaluated by DRCI Health Services staff.
In the DSU unit, adults in custody (AICs) who broke the rules are directly escorted and/or supervised when they are out of their cell, Campbell said.
The 18 AICs who were in the DSU unit at Deer Ridge were moved to another institution, Campbell said, adding that "the investigation will determine if administrative violations and/or criminal charges will occur."
"No AICs presented or reported any adverse symptoms, physical or medical reactions" on Tuesday, she said. "No AICs have been placed back in the unit at this time."
DOC Director Michael Reese said, “The Oregon Department of Corrections takes any threat or risk to the safety and security of employees and adults in custody very seriously. Incidents like this highlight the critical need to prevent the introduction of dangerous and illegal contraband into our facilities.”
The use of Naloxone could indicate the substance was an opioid, such as fentanyl, but the DOC would not confirm that. They said the incident is still under investigation and they will provide updates as new information can be released.
Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) is located four miles east of Madras in Central Oregon. DRCI is a multi-custody prison that currently houses 1,035 minimum-custody incarcerated men.
DRCI provides a range of correctional programs and services, including education and trades programs, mental health treatment, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work crews.
Construction began in October 2005, with the first minimum-security adults in custody (AICs) arriving in September 2007. DRCI is the largest minimum-custody facility in the state and Oregon’s fourteenth prison.
