Six More Austin Officers Exposed To Carbon Monoxide Leaking Into Patrol Vehicles (Video)

AUSTIN, TX — Five more officers were treated for possible carbon monoxide poisoning in last few days while patrolling in city-issued Ford Explorer SUVs that appear to have a defect that exposes occupants to the potentially deadly gas, police said during a Monday press conference.

During the press conference, Austin Police Department Assistant Chief Troy Gay told reporters six officers were involved in the latest incidents, five complaining of symptoms associated with carbon monoxide exposure. Among those symptoms are dizziness, headaches and nausea. They were all treated and released, Gay said.

The assistant police chief said the department first warned its officers of the carbon monoxide danger in February via a safety bulletin when industry regulators alerted to the problem. By March, the first incident of carbon monoxide poisoning occurred involving a department supervisor.

Since then, paper carbon monoxide detectors have been installed in affected vehicles as well as hard-wiring detectors in vehicles. Gay noted 61 percent of the police vehicle fleet comprises the Ford Explore SUVs affected by the issue.

Gay said the department is brainstorming with stakeholders toward solving the issue of carbon monoxide gas leaks given the high priority of protecting officers, including ongoing conversations with officials at the Ford Motor Co. Around 30 vehicles have been grounded as a result of the carbon monoxide issue, reducing the fleet below desired levels, Gay said.

"We need our fleet to run at 85 percent at all times, and currently we're running a little bit lower."

Watch the assistant police chief's press conference below:

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