A Michigan State Police trooper performing a traffic stop on Wednesday in Bay County was overcome and collapsed after coming in contact with suspected fentanyl while searching a vehicle, requiring a dose of Narcan for recovery.
MSP troopers from the Tri-City Post performed the traffic stop around 2:13 p.m., suspecting the driver was under the influence of drugs. Troopers searched the vehicle before one came in contact with the suspected narcotic, which is believed to be the synthetic opioid fentanyl, the department said in a news release obtained by the Detroit News.
“The trooper adjusted his face mask and shortly after began to feel disoriented, extreme lethargy, and fell to the ground,” MSP said.
A partner at the scene recognized the trooper showed signs of an overdose and administered Narcan. The trooper recovered and was hospitalized in stable condition. He is expected to be released.
GRETCHEN WHITMER’S PRIVATE FLIGHTS DRAW ATTENTION OF MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE AND FAA
The suspect, a 32-year-old, was being evaluated by a drug recognition expert for operating under the influence of drugs. Another investigation is underway for possible felony charges, the department added.
Troopers are equipped with Narcan due to the potential of coming into contact with potentially fatal drug exposure when on the job.
They “recognize the dangers of certain drugs getting into their system through skin contact, breathing, or even their eyes,” MSP said.
Fentanyl, a drug that is on the rise in illicit transport operations across the country, is 50 times stronger than heroin.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The Washington Examiner contacted MSP but did not immediately receive a response.
