Deputies sickened during narcotics search, department deploys NARCAN

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Two Richland County deputies are receiving medical attention after being exposed to an unknown substance while on duty Saturday evening.

An incident report said deputies were dispatched to the 300 block of Claude Bundrick Rd after a 911 hang-up call at around 10 p.m. Corporal Deon Hardy said he noticed a suspicious vehicle in the area and when it failed to properly signal he pulled it over.

Hardy and his partner Reserve Deputy Joshua Ross observed an open can of beer in the cup holder. The incident report said the deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and found a plastic container containing pills. When they opened the container for field testing both deputies were exposed to the substance inside.

Hardy said in the incident report both he and his partner began to feel ill. First responders were notified of the situation. After Hardy fell unconscious, deputies say Ross administered first aid and NARCAN, before ultimately receiving it himself.

“This is the reality of what our deputies encounter every day,” Sheriff Leon Lott said, “If Reserve Deputy Ross did not have NARCAN to quickly give Cpl. Hardy, he could have suffered serious health risks. Please keep them both in your prayers.”

Both deputies were later taken to a local hospital. The report said both men were alert when taken for transportation. The rim of the container tested positive for a cocaine base.

Investigators were on the scene and interviewed those involved in the traffic stop to determine criminal charges.

Notice a spelling or grammar error in this article? Click or tap here to report it. Please include the article's headline.

Stay up to date with WIS News 10. Get the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and Stream us on Roku, YouTube, Amazon Fire, or Apple TV.

Copyright 2023 WIS. All rights reserved.