Probation Officer Treated With Narcan During HazMat Scare

WESTMINSTER, CA —A hazardous materials alert created a bit of chaos at a Westminster probation office, Tuesday. HazMat crews arrived at the scene where a probation officer became sickened during the search of a probationer's belongings.

The probation officer was searching the probationer and his items in the department's offices at 14000 block of Beach Blvd. about 2:45 p.m.

Suddenly, the officer fell ill, spokeswoman Carrie Braun of the Orange County Sheriff's Department said in a release.

As for the substance that caused the event, investigators believed the hazardous chemical to be fentanyl.

"The officer's exposure was significant," according to Tom Dominguez, President of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs. The officer was transported to a local hospital.

Representatives from the association assisted the officer and the family.

"The probation officer was given Narcan, used to help anyone if they are experiencing an overdose of a powerful narcotic like Fentanyl," Dominguez said.

The probation officer was rushed to a hospital, but was expected to survive, according to Braun.

The probationer was detained during the incident. Meanwhile, a hazardous materials team was sent to the building to seek the source of what led to the officer's illness and decontaminate the facility, Braun said.

The building, evacuated during the search, is next to the West Justice Center in Westminster. There was no affect on court hearings during the incident.