GPD administers Narcan to officers after arrest

Gainesville Police Department (GPD) supervisors had to give two officers Narcan after they were exposed to narcotics during an arrest on Sunday morning.

According to a GPD release, officers responded to the WAWA on 1614 W. University Ave. at 9:45 a.m. after an employee reported a suspect stealing, making threats and damaging store property. An officer located a suspect matching the store employee’s description at the 1300 block of W. University Avenue and witnesses at the WAWA identified the suspect as the person who stole from the store.

Officers arrested the suspect – a 33-year-old male—and, after being placed in handcuffs, the arrestee broke loose and ran. Officers apprehended him a short distance away, and he was allegedly found to be in possession of suspected narcotics, including a white powdery substance.

The arresting officer transported the suspect to jail and the assisting officer turned the evidence into GPD property and evidence.

Around 11:30 a.m., the officer at GPD Property and Evidence requested medical assistance via radio and dispatchers noticed possible distress. GPD supervisors administered the officer Narcan on scene and EMS transported the officer to the hospital.

The officer who transported the arrestee to the jail also began experiencing negative health symptoms a short time later and was administered Narcan, according to GPD. EMS responded and transported the officer to the hospital.

The two officers who received Narcan were released from the hospital and are recovering, GPD reported.