A Washington County Sheriff's Office jail deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave following an altercation that occurred at a drunken party inside a barn early Sunday morning, the agency said.



Deputy Eric Gargalis has worked seven years for the office, said Sgt. Bob Ray, a sheriff's office spokesman. He has worked in the jail division the entire time.



About 3 a.m., deputies were called to a fight inside the barn in the 11000 block of Northwest Parson Road near Gales Creek and northwest of Forest Grove. Authorities learned at some point during the altercation, Gargalis, who had consumed "a large amount of alcohol," had lost control of his personal firearm, Ray said.



No shots were fired, Ray said. Authorities are still investigating whether Gargalis pulled his gun during the altercation.



Gargalis, Ray said, suffered minor injuries to his face. He reportedly received some stitches to his nose.



No one else was injured.



Cornelius and Forest Grove officers assisted sheriff's deputies at the scene.



"We had a lot of very intoxicated, uncooperative people," Ray said.



No one was arrested. Ray said investigators have multiple people to interview.



"It will take a while to figure out what happened," he said.



Ray said it doesn't appear as if Gargalis knew anyone at the party. Gargalis reportedly was walking and came across the gathering. People at the party then invited him inside the barn.



A Tualatin Police Department detective, a member of the county's Major Crimes Team, is investigating the incident. Ray said the sheriff's office brought in a detective from an outside agency to conduct an impartial investigation.



After the criminal investigation is complete, the sheriff's office will conduct an internal inquiry.



-- Rebecca Woolington