3 Los Altos Officers Exposed To Fentanyl, 1 Hospitalized

LOS ALTOS, CA — One of three exposed, Los Altos police officer was transported to a hospital Monday morning with confirmed fentanyl symptoms while processing evidence at police headquarters.

The officer whose identity is undisclosed remains in the hospital in stable condition, Capt. Scott McCrossin told Patch.

"The officer wasn't feeling so well, so we're not going to take any risk," McCrossin said of the precaution.

McCrossin and Santa Clara County Fire Capt. Bill Murphy both told Patch the officer's symptoms were not life-threatening.

The evidence room was quarantined while a hazardous materials crew sweeps the area.

Fentanyl is a synthetic narcotic that is estimated to be 80 to 100 times stronger than
morphine. Consequently, exposure to minute amounts that can occur when coming into contact with people or items that have been contaminated by the substance, can lead to serious health effects such as slowed respirations, reduced blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

The call came in around 9:25 a.m. at the station at 1 N. San Antonio Road.

— Bay City News contributed to this report.