3 first responders recovering after possible fentanyl exposure during traffic stop

TAVARES, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - A spokesman with the Lake County Sheriff's Office said one of their deputies had to be revived with Narcan, after exposure to what is believed to be fentanyl.  Narcan is a nasal spray used to treat narcotic overdose in an emergency situation.

Two firefighters and a suspect are also recovering from exposure, following a traffic stop on Florida Boys Ranch Road, in the area of the County Road 561 intersection on Tuesday evening. 

"During the stop, the deputy located narcotics and shortly thereafter began to pass out. Another deputy quickly administered Narcan, which revived the deputy," said Sgt. Fred Jones. "Fire rescue personnel arrived on scene and two firefighters also began feeling ill, one of whom was also given Narcan." 

Jones said a male suspect, who was in the car, also began to have a reaction.  

"I came up here to see if they needed assistance, because I'm a nurse," said Linda Critoph lives, who lives nearby.  "It makes you wonder what the amount of fentanyl exposure is to everybody." 

"It's actually pretty calm around here, so when you see stuff like this, it definitely raises some eyebrows," said Cory Critoph.

All four were transported to the South Lake Hospital and others who were present were decontaminated.

Florida Boys Ranch Road was shut dow,n just west of the County Road 561 intersection. Motorists were asked to avoid the area.  

Deputies say three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident: Brennan Dowling, 30, Stephanie Martin, 29, and Rebecca Wagner, 36.