WOOSTER, Ohio — The previously-unidentified powder that sent two Wooster police officers to the hospital last week did contain fentanyl, according to test results sent on Monday to the Wooster Police Department from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Veteran officers Dustin Burnett and Donald Hall came in contact with the substance after they arrested Isaiah Haskins at home for having weapons under disability.
After Haskins got into the police cruiser, police say he ripped open a baggie from the back of his pants, sending the unknown powder flying all over the inside of the cruiser and onto the officers' clothes.
Burnett and Hall began to experience some scary symptoms: they felt light-headed, had tingling feet and slurred speech.
Both officers had to be hosed down with water, and all of their equipment was decontaminated. They were treated at a hospital and are doing okay, police said.
Police Chief Matthew Fisher released the following statement on Monday:
“Patrolmen Hall and Burnett are doing well and have fully recovered from the exposure. More so, now that we know the powder released in the police cruiser contained Fentanyl, we are even more relieved that Patrolmen Hall and Burnett are okay. As you know, Fentanyl is killing people across this country every day and it is troubling that Mr. Haskins’ actions could have recklessly resulted in these officers being injured or killed. We are grateful for the assistance of everyone who helped that night including, Medway, Wooster Fire/EMS and Wooster Community Hospital. We are also very thankful for the outpouring of support for these officers from our community.”
Haskins is facing several charges, including possession of drugs and assault.
Police said the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is aware of the test results and will examine the case to see if any additional charges will be brought against Haskins.
