AUSTIN, Texas — Four people were taken to the hospital after authorities said at least five people experienced symptoms consistent with a drug overdose at or near a downtown Austin bar early Wednesday morning.
Authorities and emergency personnel were called to Shakespeare’s bar shortly before 2:30 a.m. Police said five adults were experiencing symptoms, including one person who was in respiratory distress.
Before emergency crews arrived, bystanders were already trying to help, including by administering naloxone, also known as Narcan, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
“The bystanders who gave Narcan are really the first responders. It’s really valuable that the businesses in the area have Narcan available. I encourage anyone who is out and about where a lot of people are to carry Narcan. There are a lot of places you can get it for free, and it can save a life,” EMS Capt. Christa Stedman said.
Police said multiple officers were already in the area because it was around the time bars were closing, which is typical protocol.
Four people were taken to the hospital and were reported to be in stable condition. A fifth person refused medical transport.
Authorities are waiting for toxicology results but believe the illnesses were caused by opioids.
“This incident highlights the dangers associated with recreational and illegal narcotics that you purchase on the streets. I can’t emphasize highly enough the risk you are taking when you ingest narcotics that you buy on the street, even if it comes in pill form and looks like a pill,” Austin police Cpl. Matthew Nonweiler said. “This appears to be a bad batch of drugs that people are overdosing on.”
Police are working with staff at the downtown bar to gather more information. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Austin Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477.
Nonweiler said the case will be referred to the Austin Police Department’s narcotics conspiracy unit.
The incident comes about a year after authorities responded to another downtown Austin bar, where one person died, and three others were hospitalized in suspected overdoses.
