Officer Hospitalized After Fentanyl Exposure In Old Saybrook

OLD SAYBROOK, CT — An Old Saybrook police officer was hospitalized after being exposed to Fentanyl while searching a suspect’s vehicle on Tuesday. The officer, who instantly became ill after the exposure, has been released from the hospital and is back at work, police said in an update. A Westbrook man has been arrested in connection to the incident, which police are continuing to investigate.

At about 10:30 a.m. on May 21, police responded to the rear of Walt’s Market on Main Street in Old Saybrook on the report of a suspicious person standing at the backdoor of the business. Arriving officers found a man who said that he just dropped off an employee at Walt’s and wanted to speak with that person again, according to police.

Police said the man, identified as Stephen Allen Johnson, was found to be in the possession of drug paraphernalia and was detained. Old Saybrook’s Police K-9 “Chase” conducted a search of the Johnson’s vehicle and was alerted to the possible presence of narcotics, according to police.

“While searching the subject’s vehicle, Patrolman Christopher Palmieri was exposed to Fentanyl and instantaneously became ill,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “He was immediately treated by police officers on scene and transported to the Middlesex Medical Center Shoreline.”

Police said Johnson admitted to recently snorting and selling Fentanyl. Johnson, 36, of Boston Post Road in Westbrook, was arrested and charged with various narcotics violations. Police said the investigation is active and ongoing.

Palmieri was treated and released from the hospital and has returned to work, police said.

“(On Wednesday) Police Department officials met with owners and store managers along Main Street to discuss yesterday’s incident,” police said. “We are pleased to report that the owner of Walt’s Market has agreed to partner with the Police Department to rid the area of the isolated Crack, Heroin, Marijuana, and Fentanyl use and sale problem. Thank you Paul. Other merchants in the area have agreed to report any suspicious activity, while the Department will maintain an increased presence in the area. We will all work together, as partners in safety.

“Those with addiction issues and/or concerned family members of those that may be sadly struggling with drug and/or alcohol addiction may contact 211, Youth and Family Services, and/or the Police Department to learn of resources to assist them on their road to a healthy recovery.”