2 Arrested As Nearly Two Dozen Overdose Near Indianapolis Shelter

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Police say two men have been arrested after nearly two dozen people recently fell ill from apparently overdosing on drugs in or around Wheeler Mission's men's shelter in downtown Indianapolis. AP News reports police identified the two Friday as 63-year-old Melvin Cannon and 59-year-old Nathaniel Davis. Jail records show they face multiple drug-related charges including possession of and dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance.

According to AP News, Indianapolis emergency medical crews say they responded to at least 27 overdoses over 24 hours in the area.

Wheeler Mission chief development officer Steve Kerr says 17 shelter guests overdosed inside or nearby. He says they’re suspected to have taken so-bath salts, which are chemicals that mimic the effects of cocaine and other powerful drugs.

In addition to Kerr's reports, Indianapolis police said Thursday they helped EMS crews with nearly two-dozen overdose calls in the area, saying synthetic drugs may be to blame.

The news outlet says it wasn’t immediately clear if Cannon or Davis have attorneys.

#NOW @IMPDnews and @indianapolisems identified over 24 homeless individuals from @wheelermission and surrounding area who overdosed on drug “Flakka”- The suspect was identified and arrested. Investigators worked nonstop! #TogetherWeThrive pic.twitter.com/jKH9DwHx8s
— IMPD (@IMPDnews) February 2, 2018

More: apnews.com, @IMPDnews

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