Potential Overdose Danger Warning Issued By Arlington Police

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County Police warned members of the public Tuesday who may be affected by addiction or opioid use to take precautions to protect themselves and others from the danger of overdosing, according to a county release.

ACPD took this step to raise the public's awareness after investigating three overdose cases on Sunday. In two of the cases, the victims died. In the third case, the victim remained in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon.

Following a preliminary investigation, police said they believed the overdoses involved heroin and prescription painkillers mixed with fentanyl.

Police characterized this as a dangerous and possibly life-threatening situation. Anyone who observes someone experiencing these symptoms should call 9-1-1 immediately:

• Slow or shallow breathing
• Dizziness or confusion
• Cold or clammy skin
• Vomiting or gurgling
• Blue lips and/or fingernails
• Not responsive or sleeping and cannot be woken up
• Deep gurgling or rattling snore

In 2021, Arlington first responders administered Nasal Naloxone, also known as Narcan, to 31 individuals experiencing an overdose from heroin or prescription painkillers. Narcan can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Members of the public can request free Narcan and REVIVE (Narcan) training by emailing narcan@arlingtonva.us.

Arlington County offers numerous treatment resources for individuals or those who know someone struggling with addiction through the Department of Human Services.

*All incidents involving heroin (Overdoses, Possession and Distribution Cases
**Total Fatal and Non-Fatal Heroin Overdoses
*** 5/4/18 Update: Recent returns of lab results from 2017 case evidence submissions has increased the Total Incidents Involving Opioids in 2017 from 155 to 157. (Data reflects police incidents.)