Drug Manufacturing Equipment Explosion Sends Eugene Man to Portland Burn Center

During the service of the search warrant, a 53-year-old Eugene man came to the apartment to purchase morphine and methamphetamine

Photo: Eugene Police Department

(EUGENE, Ore. ) - A Eugene man was transported to a burn center in Portland with serious injuries Thursday after a drug manufacturing mishap in the bathroom of his Whiteaker apartment.

Just before 5:00 AM, Eugene firefighters and police responded to the Mary Skinner Apartments at 335 West 2nd Avenue, where an alarm monitoring company had reported a fire alarm activation.

The sole resident of the involved apartment, 46-year-old Joseph Paul Lesiak was transported to Emmanuel Burn Center in Portland for treatment of burns to his upper body.

Public safety personnel attempting to determine the cause of the fire found indications that drug manufacturing may have been involved.

After obtaining a search warrant, Eugene Police continued the investigation and determined that Lesiak had been attempting to manufacture hash oil, a drug made by using solvents to dissolve and concentrate the psychoactive substance in marijuana.

During the process, investigators believe, the chemical fumes in the air from the drug manufacturing process were accidentally ignited when Lesiak used a cigarette lighter.

During the search of the apartment, investigators also located and seized approximately three pounds of marijuana and about a quarter-pound of mushrooms, some packaged for sale.

Investigators also found prescription pills, which Lesiak is believed to have been selling illegally, and extensive drug paraphernalia.

During the service of the search warrant, a 53-year-old Eugene man came to the apartment to purchase morphine and methamphetamine; he was cited for attempted possession.

Lesiak is expected to face charges of Reckless Endangering, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance (Hashish Oil), Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana and Psilocybin Mushrooms), Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana and Psilocybin Mushrooms).