3 police officers in Milwaukee, Greendale treated for exposure to dangerous substances

Journal Sentinel staff

Three police officers were treated at hospitals late Friday for exposure to dangerous substances in the course of making arrests.

Suspected fentanyl is seen on a table as officials gather at a news conference to announce federal drug, firearm and immigration charges against 30 defendants from the city of Lawrence, Mass., and surrounding communities at Moakley Federal Courthouse Tuesday, May 30, 2017, in Boston.

A District 2 Milwaukee officer was transported to a hospital after exposure to fentanyl following the arrest of a suspect where the drug was found. The officer was released after treatment and will return to duty in the coming days, according to a Milwaukee police news release.

In Greendale, two officers searching a purse found in a suspected stolen vehicle were exposed to an unknown substance. One officer began experiencing symptoms of exposure on the scene and the second officer began feeling symptoms at the Greendale Police Station. Narcan, a drug used to combat opioid overdoses, was administered to both officers who were transported to a hospital as a precaution.

The Greendale officers had been called to Southridge Mall about 7 p.m. for a report of retail theft and arrested two suspects who were occupying the suspected stolen vehicle.

Exposure to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has become an increasing hazard for law enforcement. In March, a Waukesha County sheriff's deputy was hospitalized for exposure to the powder during a traffic stop.