Mystery Substance Sparks Evacuation and Officer Health Scare at Deer Ridge Prison

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ore. — After officers at the Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) in Madras, Jefferson County were informed of suspected contraband in a special housing unit on Tuesday, March 18, a search was conducted.

The area was secured and evacuated when a correctional corporal discovered an unknown substance.

Officers Affected By Substance Discovered After Deer Ridge Correctional Institution Evacuation

Built in 2005, the DRCI multi-custody prison currently houses 1035 minimum-custody incarcerated adults. It is the largest minimum-custody facility in Oregon.

On Tuesday, the DRCI activated an Incident Command Structure (ICS), shut down the air filtration system, and contained a suspected substance.

The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) indicated that the corporal who discovered the substance received naloxone (Narcan) after direct exposure and was treated at a local hospital before being released.

A Correctional Officer in the area also had an adverse reaction and was evaluated by DRCI Health Services staff.

DRCI is working with the Oregon State Police and the National Guard Civil Service Unit to investigate and assess potential hazards.

DOC Director Michael Reese confirmed that his department takes any threat or risk to the safety and security of employees and adults in custody very seriously.

He said, “Incidents like this highlight the critical need to prevent the introduction of dangerous and illegal contraband into our facilities.”