ARLINGTON — Three Arlington police officers received medical attention Monday for heroin smoke exposure.
The officers were at the Arlington Motor Inn at Island Crossing about 2:45 p.m. looking for someone with a warrant, city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said.
After returning to the station, the officers began suffering symptoms, including nausea and headache. They were taken to Cascade Valley Hospital. They have returned to duty.
Their vehicles and clothing were decontaminated, along with areas of the police station. The heroin is being tested to see if it contains fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that can be manufactured illegally.
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration says fentanyl is potent enough that a tiny amount can be lethal if absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Emergency room workers have questioned the veracity of those claims.
One woman, 33, was arrested after she allegedly smoked the heroin in front of the officers at the hotel. She also had a warrant. The person police were looking for was not there.
Information about the incident was released Wednesday.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
