Portland Man Sues Police Over Fire Incident

Michael Relloque IV, a Portland resident, has initiated a lawsuit against the Portland Police Department following a severe incident in November 2020 that resulted in significant injuries. Relloque, who had consumed both mushrooms and marijuana, fell into a fire, leading to the loss of eight fingers and burns covering 30% of his body. He is seeking $17.5 million in damages, which includes $6 million for economic losses and $12 million for pain and suffering.

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On the day of the incident, Relloque was reportedly meditating near a fire after consuming cannabis and mushroom tea. He has no recollection of the events that led to him falling into the flames. His roommate, noticing Relloque's condition, called 911, informing the police that Relloque might have suffered burns and had taken drugs. Upon arrival, officers attempted to locate Relloque by calling his phone and shouting his name, but they found no evidence of immediate danger and ultimately left the scene.

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Relloque later testified that he regained consciousness while surrounded by flames and managed to escape the fire. Following the incident, he was placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks and underwent multiple surgeries, resulting in the amputation of eight fingers.

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Relloque's case was presented in the U.S. District Court for Oregon, where he argued that the police officers acted negligently by not entering his home to check on his safety. However, after six days of testimony, the jury dismissed his claims. Defense attorney Lauren Nweze contended that the police had fulfilled their responsibilities, as there was no evidence indicating that Relloque was in imminent danger at the time of their visit.

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During the trial, Nweze emphasized that Relloque's injuries were a direct result of his own actions, stating, “this could happen if you put yourself in an extremely compromised mental state and put yourself within a couple feet of an open flame.” This perspective highlights the argument that personal responsibility plays a significant role in such incidents.

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The lawsuit filed by Michael Relloque IV against the Portland Police Department underscores the complexities surrounding personal accountability and emergency response. While Relloque sought substantial damages for his injuries, the jury's decision reflects a belief that the police acted appropriately given the circumstances they encountered. The case raises important questions about the limits of police responsibility in situations involving individuals under the influence of substances.

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