Methuen Police officer hospitalized after suspect spreads fentanyl in station during booking

METHUEN – A man who was being arrested opened a bag of what is believed to be fentanyl and spread its contents around the booking area, sending a police officer to the hospital and closing down a portion of the police station Wednesday.

Officer Patrick Waldron, a decorated veteran who was recently credited for saving the life of a 64-year-old, was taken to the hospital for evaluation after being exposed to the drug, said Police Chief Joseph Solomon.

The suspect, Kyle Dennis, 28, also of Methuen, was also taken to the hospital. He was treated and released back to police custody, Solomon said.

Police arrested Dennis around 4 p.m. on three outstanding warrants for receiving a stolen motor vehicle, giving a false name to police, possession of a Class A substance, possessing a firearm and ammunition without a permit and improper storage of a firearm, he said.

When he was being booked at the police station, a needle fell from his pants, he said.

“Officers searched him and Dennis allegedly grabbed a plastic bag, which had been taped between his legs, ripped it open and spread its contents out all over the booking area and onto …Waldron, who was booking the suspect at the time,” Solomon said.

The booking area and cell block was cordoned off and closed to the public. Any suspects arrested by Methuen officers will be sent to other police departments until the area can be decontaminated, he said.

Dennis now faces other charges including possession of fenanyl, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon – fentanyl, defacement of property and giving a false name to police, he said.

“This incident highlights the dangers our police officers face every day, even inside the confines of their own police station, at the hands of desperate, dangerous individuals,” Mayor James P. Jajuga said. “Tonight, a career criminal knowingly put the lives of our officers in danger.”