Barnstable Traffic Stop: Trooper Possibly Exposed To Fentanyl

BARNSTABLE, MA – A Massachusetts State Police trooper was hospitalized early Thursday morning after possibly being exposed to fentanyl during a traffic stop in Barnstable. The trooper pulled the 2006 Pontiac G6 over at Old Colony Road and South Street shortly after midnight and patted down the passenger, who was showing signs of a possible overdose, state police said.

The trooper noticed a powdery substance on himself and began to feel light-headed. He and the passenger, who was later identified as 37-year-old Arthur Ashley, of New Bedford, were taken to Cape Cod Hospital. Both were released Thursday morning.

Ashley is expected to be arraigned on a warrant in Barnstable District Court Thursday. It is not yet clear if he faces additional drug charges.

Photo by Jenna Fisher (Patch Staff)