FLAGER COUNTY Fla. – A Florida sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being exposed to fentanyl during a traffic stop. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office released a bodycam video on its Facebook page of Deputy Nick Huzior testing narcotics.
He suddenly began to experience lightheadedness. Swiftly recognizing the gravity of the situation, he called upon Deputy First Class Kyle Gaddie to call emergency medical services (EMS). Gaddie’s prompt response saw him administer Narcan, a crucial antidote used to counter opioid overdoses. However, Deputy Huzior’s condition did not immediately improve, as he reported feeling worse by the moment. His limbs grew numb, his hands trembled, and he complained of dizziness.
A passerby stopped to offer water, and Huzior administered another dose of Narcan before an ambulance arrived. Huzior was transported to an emergency room for treatment and was later released.
“What happened yesterday is a perfect example of the dangers law enforcement face each and every day from poison on the streets,” said Flager County Sheriff Rick Staly. “Thankfully, our deputies are well trained and equipped with Narcan which allowed DFC Gaddie to potentially save the life of a fellow deputy. I would also like to thank the Good Samaritans who stopped to check on Deputy Huzior and DFC Gaddie while they were waiting for EMS as well as Flagler County Fire Rescue and AdventHealth Palm Coast for taking care of him.”
The traffic stop, initiated at approximately 3:45 p.m. on August 10th, revolved around an erratic driver linked to a hit-and-run incident. Swift thinking by concerned bystanders aided law enforcement in detaining the suspect, identified as 61-year-old George Clemons of Crescent City, until deputies arrived.
Upon arrival, deputies observed Clemons seated in the driver’s position, his car keys concealed beneath his leg. Narcotics, an empty Bud Light can, and a miniature alcohol “shooter” were in plain sight. However, Clemons declined to participate in field sobriety exercises, subsequently leading to his arrest.
Clemons now faces an array of charges, including DUI, possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana under 20 grams, possession of a legend drug without a prescription, possession of Suboxone, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additionally, the Bunnell Police Department has charged Clemons with leaving the scene of a crash with damage to a vehicle or property in connection to the hit-and-run incident.
Health experts say that fentanyl cannot be absorbed through the skin or by touching an item or surface where it is present. However, if a person touches the illicit drug, they should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth until after washing hands with soap and water.