Methuen Officer Hospitalized After Inmate Allegedly Rips Open Bag of Fentanyl During Booking

A Massachusetts police officer was hospitalized Wednesday after an inmate allegedly ripped open a bag of fentanyl and exposed the official to the substance.

The incident happened when Methuen resident Kyle Dennis, 28, was being booked following his arrest on three outstanding warrants, according to authorities. Dennis, who is known to police, was arrested shortly after 4 p.m. when an officer spotted the suspect standing on Broadway.

While the suspect was being booked and processed, he allegedly grabbed a bag that was taped between his legs and ripped it open to spread the contents over the booking area. Officer Patrick Waldron, who was booking Dennis at the time, was exposed to the drug and hospitalized as a result.

Dennis was also hospitalized and later released to the Lawrence Police Department for further processing.

Access to the cell block was shut down and people being arrested and booked by Methuen Police will be taken to other departments until the area is cleaned.

The suspect was originally wanted for receiving a stolen car and giving a false name to police, possession of a Class A substance, and possession of a fire arm without an FID. He now faces additional charges that include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, defacement of property, possession of a Class A substance, hindering a police investigation and giving a false name to police.

Dennis is scheduled to face a judge Thursday at the Lawrence District Court. It is unclear if he has an attorney.