Police: Man caught breaking into jail

MEDFORD, Ore., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Police in Oregon said a man they arrested for trying to break into a prison told officers he had used alcohol and marijuana before the incident.

Medford police Lt. Bob Hansen said sheriff's deputies at the Jackson County Jail spotted James Merrill DeVore, 28, scaling a tall fence around an area where prisoners are unloaded by arresting officers at about 4:10 a.m. Monday, the Medford (Ore.) Mail Tribune reported Tuesday.

DeVore, who was met on the ground by jail officials and turned over to Medford police, told investigators he had smoked marijuana and consumed alcohol before coming to the jail for help. He said he climbed the fence because there was no answer at the front entrance of the facility.

Police said they took DeVore to the county's sobering center and he was referred to the Jackson County mental health program. He was given a citation to appear in court on disorderly conduct and trespassing charges.