Warning: The following video may be disturbing to some viewers.
A police officer in Florida was left suffocated and breathless after collapsing as a result of possible fentanyl exposure during a traffic stop.
The incident occurred early Tuesday morning during a traffic stop after a Tavares Police Department officer discovered narcotics in a passenger in the vehicle that was pulled over, according to FOX 35.
Officer Courtney Bannick, who discovered the narcotics, had difficulty breathing after the passenger was taken to the Lake County Jail, the police department said.
Bannick was then heard choking and gasping for air from the police’s use of radio frequency.
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A police officer in Florida was left suffocated and breathless after collapsing as a result of possible fentanyl exposure during a traffic stop.
(Tavares Police Department)
“It came on the radio where she was heard choking and gasping for breath,” read a statement from the Tavares Police Department.
A police officer on the same scene as Bannick saw that he was losing consciousness and needed medical attention. Bannick was taken to a local hospital where she is expected to make a full recovery.
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Officer Courtney Bannick, who discovered the narcotics, had difficulty breathing after the passenger was taken to the Lake County Jail, the police department said.
(Tavares Police Department)
The officer practiced safe drug handling and was wearing gloves, the police department said. Bannick said only a trace amount of fentanyl is needed to create a dangerous situation.
“I’ve done this a hundred times before the same way. It only takes once and a minimal amount,” Bannick said. “I’m thankful I’m not alone and I had immediate help.”
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A police officer on the same scene as Bannick saw that he was losing consciousness and needed medical attention. Bannick was taken to a local hospital where she is expected to make a full recovery.
(Tavares Police Department)
The Tavares Police Department said the situation “could have ended differently if our officers did not react as they did.”
