A Wisconsin sheriff’s deputy who was sifting through money recovered from an illegal immigrant suspect arrested on drug charges became ill after being hit in the face with airborne powdered fentanyl and cocaine, according to police.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the exposure occurred as Jose Fredy Rodriguez Acuna, 25, of Portage, was being booked into jail on March 31.
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Acuna had been arrested earlier in the day during a traffic stop. While he was being booked into the jail, deputies were taking inventory of Acuna’s things, authorities said.
“While manipulating US currency taken from the subject, she unfolded a bill containing a powdery substance,” Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner stated. “The powdery substance became airborne directly into the face of the deputy, causing an exposure.”
Authorities stated that the deputy experienced a “medical event” and required quick attention. Other deputies delivered Narcan, an over-the-counter nasal spray or injection that can quickly cure opiate overdoses, to the sick deputy.
The deputy was brought to the hospital and is fully expected to recover.
The sheriff’s office reported that the powdered substance tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl. Acuna was arrested last week on charges of cocaine and narcotics possession.
He was ordered held on a $1,000 cash bond. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) filed a detainer request with the sheriff’s office, and he was brought into federal custody.
Brandner observed that individuals arrested for drug charges frequently conceal drugs and accessories in their luggage throughout the screening process. The risk does not stop on the street, and our correctional personnel must be prepared to deal with it,” he stated. “Our personnel did an excellent job of recognizing and responding to this life-threatening issue. We’re grateful that the deputy will be able to recover.”
