Five people were taken to hospital after police and emergency crews responded to a suspected narcotics exposure at an apartment complex in Largo, Florida, on Thursday evening.
The incident began shortly after 6pm at Oasis at Bayside on Glades Circle, near Ulmerton Road, when a woman called police about her boyfriend, who she said was behaving irrationally after smoking cannabis.
Three officers went to the flat and found the man, identified by police as Richard Charles, naked inside. The woman was escorted out before officers became involved in a struggle with Charles and arrested him.
First responders treated after suspected narcotics exposure
After Charles was detained, one of the officers began showing signs of a possible drug reaction and lost consciousness. He was given naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, according to Largo Police Chief Mike Loux.
A medic who entered the scene also became unwell. Officers and another medic transporting Charles to hospital later reported similar symptoms.
Emergency crews began decontaminating those involved and carried out air-quality checks. The source of the suspected contamination was traced to the apartment, police said.
In total, 14 people — 13 first responders and Charles — were exposed and treated. Five of them were taken to hospital.
At least three dozen emergency vehicles, including police, fire, ambulance and hazardous-materials units, were sent to the complex as the response developed.
Chief Loux said investigators believed the cannabis Charles had been smoking may have been mixed with another substance, although the exact narcotic had not been established.
Police said there was no threat to the wider public. The woman who made the initial call did not initially report any symptoms.
Charles remains in custody while authorities investigate the suspected exposure. Police had not confirmed what charges he might face.
