3 Needham Police Officers Exposed To Fentanyl

NEEDHAM, MA — Three Needham police officers were hospitalized after being exposed to fentanyl while patrolling the Residence Inn Friday morning, officials said. Police said the officers were exposed to the deadly drug while investigating a suspicious car during a routine security check of the hotel's parking lot.

Police said the officers encountered Stephanie Solimine, 28, of Westwood, and Brandon Randall, 31, of Norwood, and found them in possession of fentanyl.

"It was in a container and I think at some point that container was opened and that’s where the exposure happened," Needham police Chief John Schlittler said.

The Needham Fire Department and a hazmat team were sent to the scene. Schlittler said the three police officers were taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, where they were treated and released.

Solimine and Randall were charged with drug possession. Police said hotel operations were not affected.