Indiana cop overdoses on fentanyl during traffic stop

SOUTHPORT, Ind. (WXIN) — An Indiana police officer is recovering from a fentanyl overdose while searching a suspect’s vehicle during a recent traffic stop.

The Southport Police Department said Lt. Tony Wilson stopped a driver at a Speedway gas station south of Indianapolis around 7 p.m. Friday, July 19. Police said the driver had a criminal record and was unlicensed.

While searching the car, Wilson allegedly found a dollar bill covered in what he believed to be fentanyl. Wilson said he accidentally inhaled the white powder and passed out shortly after, but not before calling for help.

“Displaying incredible presence of mind, Lieutenant Wilson was able to call for medical assistance before losing consciousness,” the department said in a statement.

Police said that thanks to Wilson’s quick reaction and the rapid response of the Indianapolis Fire Department, the lieutenant’s life was saved.

“This officer was fighting for his life,” Southport Police Chief Thomas Vaughn said. “He inhaled the substance. So he tried to get help and get some Narcan, because there’s a lot going on in that situation.”

The Southport Police Department said Friday that Wilson is expected to make a full recovery.

The department is currently reviewing its procedures to determine whether officers will need new equipment or devices to respond to narcotics-related calls in the future.

The department also confirmed Monday that Wilson was among officers who responded to a mass shooting at Greenwood Park Mall in 2022 and helped evacuate shoppers hiding there.

Wilson’s superiors said his experience in scenarios like this led him to make a quick decision Friday.

“He’s looking at different things to do and working on those scenarios every day to get better,” Chief Vaughn said. “If he wasn’t as good as he is, we’d still be having a police officer’s funeral today.”