Redmond Drug Investigation Leads to Three Arrests, Major Assault and Kidnapping Charges

REDMOND, Ore. — A short-term drug investigation by the Redmond Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit and Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team has resulted in three people being charged in state court, including allegations involving methamphetamine and firearms.

The investigation also led to a separate major incident investigation after one of the suspects was allegedly involved in the kidnapping and assault of a man in Deschutes County.

The investigation began when Redmond detectives learned that 51-year-old Jeffrey Patton of Redmond was returning from the Portland area. Redmond police requested assistance from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in locating Patton.

Detectives identified a vehicle connected to the investigation, and Jefferson County deputies conducted a traffic stop. Patton was a passenger in the vehicle, which was driven by 57-year-old Thomas Dopp, also of Redmond.

During the stop, CODE K9 Dozer was deployed around the vehicle and alerted to the presence of controlled substances. A subsequent search warrant obtained by Redmond police resulted in the seizure of a firearm and more than two pounds of suspected methamphetamine.

Patton and Dopp were lodged in the Jefferson County Adult Jail on firearm and drug possession and delivery charges.

As the investigation continued, CODE detectives identified 41-year-old Efram Palafox of Bend as an associate of Patton. Detectives began preparing a search warrant for a residence associated with Palafox on Powell Butte Highway.

Before that warrant was authorized, detectives obtained information about a possible weapons offense and assault involving Palafox. Because of the seriousness of the allegations, the Central Oregon Major Incident Team was activated to assist Redmond police, while the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team was requested to assist with execution of the search warrant.

Palafox was located near Northeast Butler Market Road and Northeast 27th Street in Bend and taken into custody without incident. Detectives said he was found with a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency.

The search warrant was executed at Palafox’s Powell Butte Highway residence on Aug. 12. Investigators reported finding additional evidence that resulted in charges of cocaine possession and seven counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Palafox was lodged in the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

Investigation Expands to Kidnapping, Assault

The investigation took a more serious turn after Redmond police received a missing-person report on Aug. 12 involving an adult male who had last been seen at St. Charles Medical Center in Redmond at approximately 11:30 p.m. Aug. 11.

Redmond detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the hospital and identified Palafox as the last person seen with the missing man.

Investigators subsequently developed information indicating the man had been forced to leave the area against his will, prompting activation of the Central Oregon Major Incident Team.

The investigation led authorities to an area southeast of Redmond in Deschutes County, where investigators allege the victim had been tied to a tree and assaulted. According to police, the victim’s finger was removed during the assault, and he was also tattooed in a derogatory manner.

The victim was found Aug. 12 walking along a road near Deschutes Pet Lodge. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office contacted him and provided assistance.

Authorities said the victim provided information consistent with the investigation indicating Palafox was involved in the alleged kidnapping and assault. The victim suffered serious injuries and was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for treatment.

A second search warrant was executed at Palafox’s Powell Butte Highway residence. Investigators recovered the missing finger, DNA evidence and a possible weapon believed to have been used in the assault.

Palafox was additionally charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. He remained lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

Redmond police said the investigation involved multiple locations and required the cooperation of numerous agencies.

The department credited CODE, the Central Oregon Major Incident Team, Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, Oregon State Police, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and St. Charles Medical Center for their assistance.