Three Arlington, WA, police officers were taken to an area hospital Monday after a reaction to second-hand heroin smoke exposure. Authorities suspect fentanyl was involved.
The officers were making a warrant arrest inside a hotel room off of SR 530 when they were exposed to the smoke. They began exhibiting symptoms after returning to the police department to complete paperwork, including nausea, headache, and vomiting.
All three officers were treated and released from the hospital Monday night. They have returned to full duty.
City of Arlington spokesperson Kristin Banfield said the three officers were exposed when one of the motel room's occupants blew smoke at them. “She picked up heroin and immediately started smoking it and blowing that smoke directly at our officers,” Banfield told KIRO 7 on Wednesday.
The officers' clothing was taken to Arlington Fire House 46 for decontamination. Four police vehicles, three workstations, and a restroom were also decontaminated by a professional company.
One person was taken into custody during this incident.