Murphy – A municipal cop was rushed to the hospital last week after he nearly fainted from possible fentanyl exposure.
Corp. Clint Wooten of the Murphy Police Department arrested 43-year-old William Ed Carney for drug possession and indecent exposure prior to being exposed to the dangerous substance while at the detention center. Officials say Wooten arrested Carney around 12:30 p.m. Aug. 18 after finding him naked on the riverbank at the Hiwassee Street Boat Ramp.
While at the Cherokee County Detention Center a short time later, Wooten reportedly found a clear baggie containing a white powdery substance in Carney’s possessions. Carney reportedly told police the substance was “meth,” according to officials, who say Wooten began to feel lightheaded shortly after handling the drugs.
“A small amount is all it takes with that stuff, it's so dangerous,” assistant police chief Dustin Smith said.
Officials say Wooten managed to inform jail personnel about his condition before collapsing to his knees, and a nurse who recognized what was happening gave him Narcan. Officials say Wooten received four separate doses of Narcan, some of which were provided during the ambulance ride to the hospital.
“The inmate also received Narcan and was taken to the hospital,” Smith said.
Wooten was released from the hospital around 4 p.m. that day. He returned to work Monday.
“Corporal Wooten was using every precaution while testing this substance,” Police Chief Justin Jacobs said in a release announcing Wooten had returned.
Officials say the presumptive drug test performed by Wooten indicated the substance could be fentanyl; however, the powder will be sent to a state drug lab for further testing. Officials may definitely know the results within the next few months.