The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating the moments that led up to a deputy's hospitalization on Friday, August 18, 2023.
Around 6:30 p.m. that evening, Deputy Ismael Contreras was conducting a routine search at the Falkenburg Road Jail (FRJ) when he was exposed to a powdery substance located in an inmate’s bunk area.
Deputy Contreras quickly sealed the powder in a rubber glove in an effort to minimize his exposure to the unknown substance. Within minutes, he felt the adverse effects of the powdery substance.
He alerted FRJ deputies to come to his aid and nearly passed out due to the effects of the substance, which tested positive for fentanyl. Another HCSO team member gave two doses of Narcan to Deputy Contreras.
Deputy Contreras was rushed to Tampa General Hospital via ambulance and was discharged around 10:30 p.m. after recovering. He returned to work last night, August 19, 2023.
The inmates involved in this incident have been moved to confinement.
"This scary situation is one that no deputy should ever have to endure," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our team remains committed to eliminating illegal drugs in our detention facilities. HCSO commends Deputy Contreras' dedication to his craft and ambition to return to work quickly after such a terrifying incident."
Contreras, 25, started with HCSO in April 2022.
This investigation is ongoing; any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.