Officers exposed to chemical while taking man into custody

EUGENE, Ore. - Three police officers went to the hospital after being exposed to an unknown chemical while responding to a report of a disorderly subject at a downtown office building just after noon Friday.

The man entered the old library building at 100 W. 13th and threatened people working there and banged on windows, police said.

As officers took the man - later identified as 21-year-old Matthew Lukas Madden - into custody, they noticed a hazardous material spill in the hallway causing noxious fumes.

Police evacuated the building and closed the area to traffic as the fire department's haz-mat crew responded to investigate the unknown chemical.

Crews determined the substance was an industrial mold and mildew remover. Three officers and Madden were treated for exposure at the scene and taken to the hospital for evaluation as a precaution, police said.

Madden was released to police custody. He faces charges of

•    Possession of Methamphetamine

•    Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree

•    Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree

•    Criminal Mischief in the First Degree

The area reopened to traffic aroun 1:20 p.m.