MESQUITE, Nev. — On Thursday evening, an officer from the Mesquite Police Department stopped a vehicle near the intersection of West Mesquite Boulevard and Thistle Street for several traffic violations, according to a press release issued by the department.
While talking with the driver, the officer allegedly observed signs of illegal drug activity. The driver exited his vehicle as instructed then suddenly ran across the roadway. Officers pursued and the male driver was taken into custody after a brief foot chase.
“The suspect told officers that he ingested fentanyl as he was running from them,” Sgt. Wyatt Oliver stated. “Before collecting the fentanyl as evidence, an officer took steps to protect himself and limit the risk of exposure to this dangerous substance. Shortly after collecting the evidence the officer began to feel the symptoms of exposure.”
Police at the scene administered Narcan, a drug used to reverse the effects of opioids, and stabilized the officer until medical arrived. Mesquite Fire Rescue administered a second dose of Narcan and transported the officer to the hospital.
“The officer was monitored and later released several hours later,” Oliver stated.
Officers allegedly located a small bag on the ground of suspected fentanyl powder, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia from the suspect.
The suspect, 48-year-old Adam Smith, from Washington City, Utah, was also monitored by hospital staff prior to being transported to jail.
Smith was arrested and charged with felony possession of fentanyl, felony possession of methamphetamine, gross misdemeanor attempted destruction of evidence, misdemeanor obstructing an officer and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
“Police officers work every shift knowing they will be faced with dangerous situations, but they still go to work because of their dedication to keeping Mesquite safe,” Mesquite Police Chief MaQuade Chesley stated in the release.
“Fentanyl exposure is unfortunately one of those dangers our officers now potentially face every time they stop a vehicle or search a person. Our officers have all been issued Narcan and are well-trained in how to use it for this exact scenario,” MaQuade continued. “I am extremely proud of the way the officers handled this situation, and would like to thank the paramedics and hospital staff that took such good care of our officer.”
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