Overdose Victim In Starbucks Restroom Saved With Narcan

PETALUMA, CA – The life of a 33-year-old man, who appeared to be overdosing, found unconscious and surrounded by hypodermic needles in a Starbucks restroom, was saved this week when officers administered a dose of Narcan, the Petaluma Police Department said today.

The male, who was not identified, was taken to Petaluma Valley Hospital by the Petaluma Fire Department and has since been released, the agency said.

Police were called Friday at 10:39 p.m. to the Starbucks at 205 North McDowell Blvd. for the report of a male locked in the restroom.

Arriving officers got into the restroom, found the man, who "appeared to be actively overdosing on opiates," called for medical assistance and then administered Narcan, an emergency drug used for narcotic overdoses and approved in April for use by Petaluma police as part of an anti-opioid field program, the department said.

California Health and Safety Code prohibits arrest or prosecution of anyone under the influence or in possession of narcotics or in possession of drug paraphernalia when they seek medical assistance for a person experiencing an overdose and they do not obstruct medical or law enforcement personnel.

The department emphasized that 911 should promptly be called at the first signs that someone may be overdosing or having a medical emergency, noting the department is working to reduce narcotics abuse and to keep such drugs and prescription medications out of the hands of youth in the community.

Petaluma police said this case was their second in 10 days in which Narcan was used to save a life.

Petaluma police reminded locals that, as part of a Safe Medicine Disposal Program, an anonymous drop-off bin is located in the department's lobby for safe disposal of medications. Refer to the Safe Medicine Disposal Program’s website at www.safemedicinedisposal.org for further information regarding what is accepted.

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--Image via Petaluma PD