MIAMI COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities issued a public safety bulletin after a police officer was hospitalized following a traffic stop.
Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, police in Osawatomie conducted a traffic stop in the 800 Block of First Street, according to Police Chief David Stuteville.
During the encounter with suspects an officer became ill and disoriented, exhibiting symptoms consistent with high level opioid exposure. EMS transported the officer to Olathe Medical Center for treatment of potential opioid poisoning.
As of Thursday afternoon, the officer was still receiving treatment and recovering, according to Stuteville.
Police arrested one suspect on requested charges of possession of controlled substances, certain stimulants, DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Upon further investigation, the unknown substance was field tested with a positive result for fentanyl, according to Stuteville. A small dose of only 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be life threatening and require immediate medical care. Fentanyl may commonly occur through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion. Symptoms of exposure include shallow breathing, confusion, lessened alertness and loss of consciousness, according to the police department. Contact emergency services immediately if you suspect an exposure.