Arrests lead to two Hamilton County deputies being exposed to opioids

Police car lights in night time, crime scene, night patrolling the city. Abstract blurry image.
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Police car lights in night time, crime scene, night patrolling the city. Abstract blurry image. police tile policelight tile policelights tile policeblur tile police blur police car / Getty Images

Two Hamilton County Sheriff's Office deputies were taken for medical treatment early Monday morning after being exposed to opioids while conducting a search of a vehicle near the 1600 block of Oaken Trail, officials said.

"This life-threatening incident highlights the constant dangers that our deputies are subjected to on a daily basis. As chief deputy, there is nothing more difficult than receiving a phone call advising that one of my deputies has been injured or in this case, subjected to an overdose, while simply performing their duties and trying to keep our community safe," Chief Deputy Austin Garrett said in a media statement released Monday evening.

(READ MORE: Hamilton County overdose deaths outpace state, federal increases)

Deputies located a white Ford F-150 that was previously involved in a pursuit after an attempted theft at a home construction site off Jenkins Road. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 29-year-old Rico Weaver, fled on foot, leading deputies on a short pursuit before being captured and arrested, authorities said. The passenger, Kimber Mawby, 25, was arrested immediately, the release stated. Both suspects were taken to the Silverdale Detention Center and charged with felony theft and possession of controlled substances.

photo Rico Ladaruis Weaver

Deputies searched the vehicle and found a small quantity of methamphetamine, and the vehicle was determined to be stolen, authorities said.

Shortly after the arrest, two deputies began to experience symptoms of accidental opioid exposure. One deputy needed Narcan administered at the Silverdale Detention Center while the other deputy, who remained on scene, experienced symptoms as well.

(READ MORE: Jury holds pharmacies responsible for role in opioid crisis)

photo Kimber Mawby

Ambulances were dispatched to transport both deputies to local medical facilities. After several hours both deputies were treated and released.

"We are extremely fortunate this situation did not turn deadly, and our deputies are recovering," Garrett said.

- Compiled by La Shawn Pagán

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