Berkeley County, August 03: A female deputy from the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office collapsed during a traffic stop after an apparent accidental fentanyl exposure, according to newly released bodycam footage. The incident, which occurred during a vehicle search, highlights the ongoing dangers law enforcement officers face when handling suspected narcotics.
According to WCSC, the deputies had stopped a female driver and began a search of her person. The female deputy discovered a clear plastic bag containing an unknown substance hidden in one side of the driver’s bra and a folded dollar bill with another unidentified substance in the other. Moments later, the deputy suddenly fell to the ground, showing signs of medical distress.
Narcan Rescue
Bodycam footage captured the tense moments that followed. A male deputy can be seen quickly rushing to his patrol cruiser to grab Narcan, a life-saving nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdoses. He immediately administered the Narcan to his colleague while radioing for medical assistance.
The female deputy was transported to a local hospital, where she received further treatment and was later released. Authorities believe the deputy was exposed to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that can be deadly even in trace amounts.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office has not released the identity of the deputy involved but confirmed that she is recovering. Officials are also conducting tests on the substances found during the traffic stop to determine their exact composition.
Incidents like this continue to raise awareness about the extreme risks of fentanyl exposure for law enforcement. Across the U.S., police departments are increasingly equipping officers with protective gloves, masks and Narcan to prevent and respond to accidental overdoses during drug-related operations.
Sheriff’s officials said the investigation into the driver and the suspected narcotics is ongoing.
