Northampton officers investigating breaking and entering report overcome by drugs

EASTHAMPTON – Police officers responding to a breaking and entering incident Friday required medical treatment after being exposed to what police believe to be heroin mixed with fentanyl or carfentanil. 

At approximately 5:30 p.m., two officers arrived at a vacant home on Lovefield Street following a report by the family of the homeowner of breaking and entering, where the officers were exposed to bags that were filled with drugs and caused the police officers to feel light-headed, dizzy and sick, according to Sgt. Chad Alexander. 

The home belongs to an elderly woman that has lived in a nursing home for the past year, and Alexander said that family members had not visited the home in at least 10 days. 

As the two police officers were moving items around the house, bags were exposed and caused the officers to feel sick and they reported their symptoms to their department, Alexander said. The Fire Department and a hazmat team were called in to investigate the scene and chemicals were used to deactive the drugs, according to Alexander. 

First responders were on the scene until about 8:30 p.m. Friday, he said, and one officer was sent to the hospital while the was treated at the scene. 

Both officers were reported to be in healthy condition Saturday, Alexander said. 

The detective bureau is investigating the breaking and entering and no arrests had been made as of Saturday evening. 

Luis Fieldman can be reached at lfieldman@gazettenet.com.