Driver's Fentanyl Boast Leads To Salem Hazmat Response

SALEM, MA -- Police called in a Salem Fire Department hazardous material team Friday after Conrad Baldini Jr., 51, of Salem, told him he had fentanyl in his pocket. Baldini pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of heroin, driving to endanger and driving under the influence of drugs, third offense, when he was arraigned Monday in Salem District Court.

According to Firehouse News, Salem Police responded to the Pequot Highlands apartment complex on First Street after another driver called to complain about an erratic driver. Police found a Jeep halfway into the woods and Baldini trying to shift the car into gear even though the ignition had been turned off. Salem Police called in a Peabody Police department drug recognition expert' after they noted that Baldini was "ashen" and unsteady on his feet.

After Baldini told police that he had fentanyl on him and they found brown powder in a bag in his pocket and on the front seat of the Jeep, they called in a hazmat response.

For more on this story, see Firehouse News. Never miss another local news story: Get free local news alerts right to your inbox.

Patch file photo.