A high school teacher in New Jersey is facing multiple drug charges following a suspected fentanyl overdose in a classroom in November, the Westfield Police Department said.
School resource officer Fortunato Riga went to the second-floor classroom, where a nurse was treating the teacher in front of students, and gave him Narcan, a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.
The incident occurred at Roosevelt Middle School on November 29, but Frank Thompson, 57, was charged on January 5 with possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of children.
Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield, New Jersey, where a teacher allegedly overdosed on fentanyl in the classroom.
(Google Maps)
Investigators later found drugs and “various items of drug paraphernalia” in a closet in Thompson’s classroom, according to police.
Thompson could not immediately be reached for comment on Sunday.
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All School Resource Officers at Westfield are equipped with Narcan.
“In this case, the swift actions of Officer Riga, who is at Roosevelt Intermediate each school day, have proven critical in maintaining student safety and administering measures that could save Mr. Thompson’s life,” the chief said. Westfield police officer, Christopher. Battiloro said in a statement.
Frank Thompson, 57, has been charged with multiple drug charges following an alleged overdose in a high school classroom in November.
(Roosevelt Middle School)
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Classes were temporarily moved to a different location while the classroom was disinfected, according to Fox 5 New York.
“While the Westfield Public School District cannot comment on personnel matters that are confidential, we will maintain a continued focus on the safety of students and staff and on preserving the integrity of the classroom learning environment,” Superintendent Dr. Raymond González said in a statement.
Fox News’ Pilar Arias contributed to this report.
