Deputy rushed to hospital after being exposed to fentanyl inside Hillsborough County jail: HCSO

TAMPA, Fla. - A deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is back at work after officials say he nearly passed out after being exposed to fentanyl in an inmate’s bunk area at the Falkenburg Road Jail on Friday. 

According to HCSO, Deputy Ismael Contreras was conducting a routine search at the jail when he was exposed to a powdery substance located in an inmate’s bunk area.

Authorities say Deputy Contreras quickly sealed the powder in a rubber glove to minimize his exposure to the unknown substance, but he felt the adverse effects of the powdery substance within minutes.

According to HCSO, Deputy Contreras alerted deputies at the jail about the exposure, and they came to his aid after he nearly passed out due to the effects of the substance, which tested positive for fentanyl. 

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Another HCSO team member gave Deputy Contreras two doses of Narcan, according to HCSO.

Officials say Deputy Contreras was rushed to Tampa General Hospital via ambulance and was discharged around 10:30 p.m. after recovering. 

He returned to work the next day.  

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"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." 

HCSO says the inmates involved in this incident have been moved to confinement. 

The incident is under investigation.