SOUTHPORT, Ind. (WXIN) — An Indiana police officer is recovering after overdosing on fentanyl while searching a suspect's vehicle during a recent traffic stop.
The Southport Police Department said Lt. Tony Wilson pulled over a driver at a Speedway gas station on the south side of Indianapolis around 7 p.m. on Friday, July 19. Police said the driver had a criminal record and no license.
While searching the car, Wilson reportedly found a dollar bill that was covered in what he thought was fentanyl. Wilson said that he accidentally inhaled the white powder and passed out from its effects soon after -- but not before calling for help.
"Demonstrating incredible presence of mind, Lt. Wilson was able to call for medical assistance before losing consciousness," the department said in a statement.
Police said that thanks to Wilson's quick thinking and the speedy response from Indianapolis Fire Department crews, the lieutenant's life was saved.
"This officer was fighting for his life," said Southport Police Chief Thomas Vaughn. "He inhaled it. So trying to get himself help and also Narcan, there's a lot going on in that situation."
The Southport Police Department said on Friday that Wilson is expected to fully heal.
Now, the department is reviewing its procedures to see if officers in the future need any new equipment or devices to respond to narcotics-related calls.
The department also confirmed on Monday that Wilson was among the officers to respond to a mass shooting at the Greenwood Park Mall in 2022 and helped customers hiding in place evacuate.
Wilson's superiors said that his experience from scenarios like that is what led to his quick decision-making on Friday.
"He looks at different things to do and works through those scenarios every day to be better," Chief Vaughn said. "If he wasn't that good, we'd be having another police funeral today."
