Toronto police officer released from hospital after being exposed to possible fentanyl

A Toronto cop who was exposed to fentanyl while responding to a crime scene has been released from hospital, the head of the Toronto Police Association (TPA) says.

Officers responded to a call for an assault in the area of Eglinton Avenue East and Mount Pleasant Road just after 5 a.m.

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When they arrived on scene, TPA President Clayton Campbell told CTV News Toronto that the skin of one of the responding officers was exposed to what is believed to be fentanyl while searching a suspect’s pockets.

According to Toronto police, the officer began “exhibiting symptoms consistent with fentanyl exposure,” after the interaction.

Narcan, the medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose, was administered by their colleagues and the officer was transported to hospital, police said.

Prior to their release from hospital, police said the officer’s injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening. They are expected to return to duty “quickly,” Campbell said.

Police haven’t said if any charges have been laid in relation to the assault call.

Toronto Paramedic Services told CP24 that at least one other person was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

It’s unclear where exactly the officer made contact with the powerful opioid, but according to Health Canada, skin exposure to fentanyl is “extremely unlikely to immediately” cause harm.