VIDEO: S.C. deputy collapses after accidental fentanyl exposure during search

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A Berkeley County sheriff’s lieutenant is recovering after being exposed to fentanyl during a search earlier this month, an encounter that was captured on body camera and is now being used as a training tool across the department.

According to Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis, deputies responded to Mitchum Town Road on July 26 for a report of a woman passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle. After safely removing the woman from the car, a female deputy began conducting a search.

During that search, the deputy, Lt. Kristin Riddle, located a folded dollar bill hidden in the suspect’s bra.

Sheriff Lewis said the dollar bill contained fentanyl, a powerful and potentially deadly opioid.

Moments after handling the dollar bill, Lt. Riddle, in a panic, began asking for Narcan. She then collapsed to the ground shortly after.

“She was overcome and was in a dangerous, life-threatening situation being overcome by the fentanyl,” Sheriff Lewis said. “Had not people been close by… she could have died.”

The deputy with Lt. Riddle quickly administered two rounds of Narcan.

Lt. Riddle was rushed to the hospital by EMS and later released. The sheriff said she is now home recovering.

Sheriff Lewis said Riddle was not wearing gloves at the time, which may have contributed to the exposure.

“I think it was because of the excessive heat of the day, but normally she would have had gloves on… and should have had gloves on,” he said.

The sheriff confirmed this is the most serious fentanyl-related exposure involving a Berkeley County deputy during his time in office.

“We’ve not had a deputy that was overcome and was placed in a life-threatening situation,” he said.

Now, Sheriff Lewis says the incident will be used as a department-wide training tool.

“I’m going to show that video to all the deputies and let them see for themselves what can happen… so that maybe it’ll remind them: wear gloves. Prepare for anything,” he said.

He also hopes it raises awareness beyond law enforcement.

“It’s a deadly drug. And when it’s mixed with anything, it can kill you.”

The suspect was taken into custody and additional charges are being reviewed in connection to the exposure. Sheriff Lewis confirmed the suspect is known to deputies and has been previously charged with drug-related offenses.

The sheriff’s office says it continues to prioritize training and safety protocols for deputies in the field, especially when handling suspected narcotics.