Spate Of Unresponsive People In Vehicles Prompts Warning From Thomaston Police

THOMASTON, CT — Police have responded to numerous calls about unresponsive people in vehicles recently, and they are cautioning people to dial 911 instead of trying to help directly.

Police said incidents have been drug-related, so providing direct aid could expose a Good Samaritan to harmful substances.

In an announcement Tuesday, police also said unresponsive operators were found with their vehicle still in the “drive” position. Police said they have made multiple arrests and seized narcotics such as heroin and fentanyl in these cases.

“We want to remind the general public, if a person is located unconscious in a vehicle, there are many inherent dangers of the situation, including the possibility of uncontrolled acceleration of the vehicle, and the unknown contents of the vehicle,” police said.

There may also be dangerous drugs or paraphernalia near the unconscious person, including uncapped needles, according to police.

“Should a Good Samaritan attempt to assist an unresponsive person, please be aware of the potential dangers of the situation and the possibility of exposure to fentanyl, heroin, and other illicit substances,” police said.

Instead of trying to help the person directly, if you see an unresponsive person in a vehicle, dial 911 immediately. “Don’t become an accidental overdose victim yourself,” police cautioned.