MARIANNA, Fla. (WTXL) - A deputy was taken to the hospital after being exposed to Fentanyl during an arrest.
Wanda Mercer, of Greenwood, Florida was arrested by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
On Tuesday, deputies responded to the Goodwill Store located at 2800 Hwy 71 in Marianna, Florida in reference to a shoplifting call.
When deputies arrived on scene, they were told that Mercer was found walking around the store concealing items.
While making contact with Mercer, deputies saw several items fall from her that were consistent with the use and possession of illegal narcotics.
The items were later determined to be methamphetamine and aluminum foil boats used to smoke methamphetamine.
Before taking Mercer to jail, a deputy field tested the suspected methamphetamine per Jackson County Sheriff’s Office policy. The deputy then immediately began to have a physical reaction to the substance that would mirror an exposure to Fentanyl.
Before losing consciousness, JCSO said the deputy was able to radio that he needed medical attention due to a possible Fentanyl exposure.
The injured deputy was administered a dose of NARCAN to counteract the affects of the potential Fentanyl exposure. He was later taken to the Jackson Hospital where he remains for observation.
Mercer was transported to the Jackson County Jail to await first appearance. During the booking process, an additional baggie containing a controlled substance later identified as Xanax was taken from Mercer.
Mercer is being charged with possession methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Further charges are pending.
