Photo courtesy of the Harney County Sheriff’s Office

On Sunday, May 31, a Harney County Sheriff’s deputy observed a vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 20 at 102 mph. The deputy conducted a traffic stop at Hotchkiss Lane and Highway 20. There were three occupants in the vehicle. During the traffic stop, the deputy learned there were illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Two Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and a Bureau of Land Management ranger assisted with the traffic stop.

While searching the vehicle, the deputy and a trooper were exposed to a substance that caused the deputy to lose consciousness and the trooper to become ill. The deputy was revived by NARCAN administered by OSP.

Harney District Hospital EMS, Burns Fire Department, Hines Fire Department, Burns Police Department, and Hines Police Department responded to the scene. After being decontaminated at the scene, the deputy, trooper, and all three suspects were transported to Harney District Hospital for evaluation and later released.

Local and regional HAZMAT teams evaluated two of the possible hazardous substances located inside the vehicle. Samples are being sent to the OSP Crime Laboratory for further evaluation.

This remains an active investigation, and no further details will be released.