Man taken to hospital after ingesting unknown substance during arrest at Eugene Police facility, authorities say

Eugene, OR – A man was taken to a hospital for evaluation after ingesting an unknown substance during an arrest at a Eugene Police Department evidence facility, according to officials.

Police said the incident occurred at approximately 3:25 p.m. on April 30 when 45-year-old Tracy Justin Cooke arrived at the facility to retrieve property. Staff later discovered that Cooke had three active warrants, prompting officers to respond to the location.

When officers contacted Cooke, he allegedly produced a small unmarked glass bottle containing an unknown liquid. Authorities said he was ordered to drop the container but refused and began consuming the substance.

Officers then took Cooke to the ground, during which some of the liquid reportedly came into contact with officers’ skin. Cooke told officers the substance was a “suicide mixture” he was ingesting.

Eugene Springfield Fire was requested to transport Cooke to a hospital for medical evaluation, and hazardous materials personnel were called to assess the liquid. Officials later determined the substance was non-hazardous.

No officers were injured during the incident.