HAGERSTOWN, MD — An officer involved in a foot pursuit was exposed to fentanyl, according to the Hagerstown Police Department.
Lt. Rebecca Fetchu tells the Panhandle News Network the officer was checked out and medically cleared after being struck “by a large amount of airborne powder” Tuesday from gel capsules the suspect threw into the air. The officer was hit in the face and chest.
The officer was later checked over and decontaminated by Community Rescue Services but reportedly did not need further treatment and was not hospitalized.
The incident occurred February 4th when the Washington County Narcotics Task Force asked for backup from uniformed officers after they saw what looked like a drug deal.
Photo: Hagerstown Police Department
HPD officers saw a traffic violation and conducted a stop of the vehicle.
A Maryland State Trooper and his K-9 unit responded to the scene and the dog gave a positive alert to the presence of narcotics.
A passenger in the vehicle, identified as Levar Atturra Octavion Cooper age 30 of Hanover MD fled the vehicle when he was asked to remove his hands from his pockets. As he fled on foot, officers say he “began to throw gel capsules to the ground, in the air, and on passing vehicles attempting to destroy the suspected narcotics. One of the officers pursuing him was struck by a large amount of airborne powder that was coming from the discarded capsules. This powder struck the officer in the face and chest area exposing him to the substance.”
Officers were able to catch Cooper and place him under arrest after the foot pursuit. Agents and officers recovered approximately 84 gel capsules containing suspected fentanyl. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed additional suspected fentanyl and digital scales used to weigh the substances for retail sale along with other packaging and related paraphernalia. US currency was also seized.
Cooper and the driver, identifies as Wesley Antonio Fulgham, 35 of Baltimore MD have been arrested.
Photo: Hagerstown Police Department
Among the charges they face:
Possession of Large amount (Fentanyl)
Possession with intent to Distribute (Fentanyl)
Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance
Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance Paraphernalia
Cooper was also charged with Reckless Endangerment
