Portland Man Files Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit After Drug-Induced Fire Incident
A Portland man has initiated an eight-figure legal action against local police authorities following a harrowing incident where he consumed psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana, resulting in catastrophic burns that led to the amputation of eight fingers. Michael Relloque IV, aged 28, recounted to the US District Court for Oregon that he was meditating before an open fire at his rental property in West Linn, a suburb located approximately 25 minutes south of Portland, in November 2020.
Transcendental Experience Turns Tragic
According to testimony reported by The Oregonian, Relloque described feeling profoundly euphoric and peaceful during his drug-induced state, which he characterized as transcendental. This serene moment was abruptly shattered when he lost consciousness and fell directly into the flames. The accident inflicted burns covering roughly 30 percent of his body, necessitating a two-week period in a medically induced coma and the surgical removal of all but two of his fingers.
His legal representatives detailed years of grueling recovery, highlighting the extensive physical and emotional toll. Relloque subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city of West Linn and three police officers, alleging negligence for their failure to enter the rental home and provide assistance while he was visibly impaired by substances.
Legal Arguments and Jury Decision
Attorney Lauren Nweze, representing the municipal defendants, countered that Relloque's injuries were self-inflicted and argued that the officers acted reasonably by choosing not to intervene. She emphasized that police made multiple attempts to locate Relloque, including calling his phone, shouting his name, and using a ladder during their search, but found no conclusive evidence of an immediate emergency.
Relloque sought substantial financial compensation, totaling $18 million, with $6 million allocated for economic damages such as medical bills, long-term care, and lost income, and an additional $12 million for pain and suffering. However, after six days of courtroom testimony, an eight-person jury unanimously dismissed the lawsuit on Tuesday. Notably, one juror fainted after viewing graphic photographs of Relloque's burns on his arms, chest, and face.
Detailed Account of the Incident
Relloque provided jurors with a fragmented recollection of the events. He admitted to shaving off his long hair during the episode and recalled consuming mushroom tea, though he had no memory of ingesting solid mushrooms. Earlier that day, he had foraged for psychedelic mushrooms in the early morning hours. During his altered state, he removed his clothing, wrapped himself in a blanket, and smoked cannabis from a bong.
His next memory was awakening inside the fireplace, experiencing no immediate pain but noticing a strong burning odor. He testified, "I realized that I was in the fireplace and I probably should not be in the fireplace any longer and got out of it." Relloque also stated he had no awareness of police presence at his home and only comprehended the severity of his injuries upon emerging from the medically induced coma.
Roommate's 911 Call and Police Response
A legal filing from March 2025, reviewed by the Daily Mail, revealed that Relloque's roommate, Melissa Birdwell, contacted emergency services shortly after midnight on November 14, 2020. Birdwell informed officers that Relloque was naked at the top of the stairs, shouting "I am god," and exhibited what appeared to be ash or dirt on his chest and arms, along with possible burns or blood.
She further disclosed that Relloque had taken mushrooms. In her deposition, Birdwell claimed police advised her to let him "ride out his high" in the house and find alternative accommodation for the night, citing concerns about potential excessive force if they entered, especially given the tense climate following the George Floyd protests. The officers ultimately concluded that, due to Relloque's unpredictable behavior, absence of a crime, and lack of clear immediate danger, they lacked sufficient justification to enter the private residence.
Broader Context of Unusual Lawsuits in Oregon
This case follows another peculiar legal action in Oregon, where shoplifter Joshua Merkel filed a lawsuit against Albertson's grocery store and a cashier, Matthew Cooper, after being physically confronted outside a southwest Portland store. Merkel, 45, alleged that Cooper, 31, responded excessively when intercepting him for stealing T-bone steaks and frozen corn dogs. Although a criminal jury found Cooper not guilty of assault, Merkel pursued civil damages, claiming he shoplifted due to hunger, while the defense argued the stolen goods were intended for methamphetamine trade.
The contrasting outcomes of these cases underscore the complex legal landscape surrounding personal responsibility, law enforcement duties, and civil liability in Oregon.
