16 Jan Jackson County deputy receives medical treatment after exposure to Fentanyl | Crime and Court
JACKSON COUNTY, Florida – A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputy was transported to Jackson Hospital for treatment after he was possibly exposed to Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
On Tuesday, Jan. 15, deputies responded to a shoplifting complaint at the Goodwill Store located at 2800 Hwy 71 in Marianna. Upon contact with the suspect, Wanda Lee Mercer of Greenwood, a deputy noticed several items fall from the suspects’ person that were consistent with the use and possession of illegal narcotics. The items were later identified to be methamphetamine and aluminum foil boats used to smoke methamphetamine, said Jackson County Sheriff Louis Roberts.
Roberts stated before the deputy could transport Mercer to jail, the deputy field tested her for methamphetamine, which is the sheriff’s office policy. Following the test, the deputy immediately began to have a physical reaction to the substance that would mirror an exposure to Fentanyl, he said.
The deputy was able to radio for medical attention before he lost consciousness.
The deputy was administered a dose of NARCAN to counteract the effects of the potential Fentanyl exposure.
The deputy is still in the hospital for observation.
Mercer was transported to jail. During her booking process, an additional baggie containing a controlled substance later identified as Xanax was seized. The suspect’s methamphetamine and Fentanyl was secured and removed by the narcotics division.
Mercer is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance (Xanax), Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additional charges could be forthcoming.
Fentanyl, a powerful opiod, contributed to the deaths of musicians Prince and Tom Petty.
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