REDMOND, Ore. — A short-term, multiagency drug investigation in Central Oregon culminated this week with the seizure of a firearm and more than two pounds of suspected methamphetamine, and later broadened into allegations of kidnapping and assault that prompted the activation of the Central Oregon Major Incident Team (MIT) and CERT.
How the investigation unfolded
The operation began when Redmond Police Department Street Crimes Unit detectives worked with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team on leads involving suspected methamphetamine distribution. Detectives tracked a Redmond resident, Jeffrey Patton, 51, who was believed to be returning from the Portland area. Detectives identified a vehicle of interest and called for assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and CODE detectives to intercept the car when it arrived in Central Oregon.
During a traffic stop conducted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, officers identified the driver as Thomas Dopp, 57, and Patton as a passenger. CODE’s K9 unit deployed its dog, Dozer, to the exterior of the vehicle; the dog alerted to the presence of controlled substances. Redmond police then secured a search warrant.
The search resulted in the seizure of a firearm and more than two pounds of suspected methamphetamine. Both Dopp and Patton were booked into the Jefferson County Adult Jail facing firearm, drug possession and delivery charges.
New allegations expand probe into Deschutes County
As detectives continued the probe, CODE identified a third person connected to the case, Efram Palafox, 41, of Bend. Investigators prepared a search warrant for a residence linked to Palafox along Powell Butte Highway. Before that warrant was authorized, detectives received information about a possible weapons offense and an assault involving Palafox.
As evidence related to the alleged additional crimes accumulated, law enforcement activated the Central Oregon Major Incident Team, with the Redmond Police Department leading the investigation. The expanded allegations include accusations of kidnapping, assault and unlawful use of a weapon in Deschutes County against one of the adults already arrested in the drug sweep.
- Agencies involved: Redmond Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE), Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Central Oregon Major Incident Team (MIT), CERT.
- Key evidence: K9 Dozer alert, search warrant, firearm, over two pounds suspected methamphetamine.
- People arrested/identified: Jeffrey Patton, 51; Thomas Dopp, 57; Efram Palafox, 41.
| Name | Age | Alleged charges or role |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Patton | 51 | Passenger; firearm, drug possession & delivery; additional allegations include kidnapping, assault, unlawful use of a weapon (Deschutes County) |
| Thomas Dopp | 57 | Driver; firearm, drug possession & delivery |
| Efram Palafox | 41 | Associated suspect; subject of residence search; alleged weapon offense and assault under investigation |
Public safety and next steps
Officials have not released additional details about the purported kidnapping or the alleged assault, including a timeline or victim information. Prosecutors in Jefferson and Deschutes counties will determine formal charges relating to the new allegations as investigators compile evidence. The involvement of the Major Incident Team and CERT indicates investigators considered the expanded allegations sufficiently serious to require a coordinated regional response.
There have been no publicly disclosed court appearances or bail determinations in the case as of the latest law enforcement update. The Redmond Police Department and CODE referred further inquiries to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, which conducted the initial traffic stop.
Officials typically do not release investigative details while sensitive elements such as kidnapping and weapons offenses are active. Residents with tips or information relevant to the investigation are encouraged to contact the Redmond Police Department or Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
This remains an active and developing investigation. WE NEWS will monitor filings and any public statements from the agencies involved and report updates as they become available.
