Man Says 'Psilocybin Mushrooms' Caused Him to Assault Police

A "trip" to jail was probably not what this West Salem man had in mind.

Photo: Marion County Sheriff

(SALEM, Ore.) - A day in the life of a police officer is unpredictable at best. Just when one thinks he's helping out a citizen in need, he might be putting him/herself into harms way. This was the case last Friday, when K9 Deputy Jerry Wollenschlaeger stopped to assist what he thought was a disabled motorist in Salem.

At 3:00 AM on Friday, August 22nd, Deputy Wollenschlaeger saw a male subject walking away from a black jeep Cherokee which was parked on the side of the road. As the deputy drove up to the man in an attempt to speak with him, the man suddenly jumped through the open passenger window, into the deputy's patrol vehicle. The suspect, 19-year old Evan David Thomas Adams of West Salem, grabbed onto Deputy Wollenschlaeger and a fight ensued.

Wollenschlaeger and the suspect ended up struggling out of the vehicle, and into the south bound traffic lane of Hawthorne Ave SE. The fight lasted for some time and Deputy Wollenschlaeger was finally able to deploy his police K9 partner "Yo" to assist him.

With the help of "Yo" and Corporal Don Parise from the Salem Police Department, the suspect was taken into custody. Deputy Wollenschlaeger sustained minors bumps and bruises during the fight, none of which required medical attention. Police say that Adams admitted to being under the influence of "psilocybin mushrooms." He was taken to Santiam Memorial Hospital and treated for dog bites to his legs and minor scrapes to his face.

Adams was charged with Assaulting an Officer (felony), Interfering with a Police Animal, Criminal Mischief 2, Disorderly Conduct, DUII, and Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle. He is being held at the Marion County Jail. Bail is set at $32,500.