A police officer and firefighter suddenly became ill after coming into contact with a male suspect in a downtown Los Angeles pharmacy, authorities said.
The officer and firefighter came into contact with a “combative” man who was or had been in the custody of a security officer at Walgreens pharmacy at 617 W. Seventh Street on Sunday afternoon, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Both responders and the male suspect received decontamination showers, LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said.
The officer and firefighter had blurred vision and tingling hands and were released from hospital later on Sunday.
“Though an early evaluation of both responders attire by LAFD HazMat experts detected the presence of cocaine, there is currently no information regarding other contaminants being involved,” Humphrey said.
“No other injuries among workers or bystanders have been reported, and no escalating or on-site hazard was identified.”
The suspect managed to get away, according to NBC4.
The LAFD and Walgreens have been contacted for additional comment.
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