On the Street

Minn. Police Officer Hospitalized after Suspected Opioid Exposure

March 6, 2025

A Winona police officer working at the scene of a death investigation began to experience signs of an opioid overdose and appeared to lose consciousness before he was given Narcan and rushed to the hospital.

By Rachel Mergen

Source La Crosse Tribune, Wis.

A Winona Police Officer Working At The Scene Of A Death Investigation Began To Experience Signs Of An Opioid Overdose And Appeared To Lose Consciousness Before He Was Given Narcan And Rushed To The Hospital

A Winona police officer was brought by ambulance to Winona Health after being exposed to narcotics and experiencing a potential overdose Friday.

According to the Winona Police Department, officers were called to the 500 block of Kansas Street at about 4:40 p.m. for the unexpected death of an 82-year-old man.

Narcotics were found in the residence during an investigation, police said.

One of the officers at the scene started to experience signs of an opioid overdose. The officer experienced confusion, dizziness, diaphoresis and low blood pressure, before sitting down and appearing to lose consciousness.

The officer was administered Naloxone by another officer, who also requested an ambulance.

All officers have been required to carry Narcan since 2023, according to the department.

The officer was transported to Winona Health after Naloxone was administered.

The officer was released from the hospital that evening.

The police department said Monday the officer was “doing well.”

According to the police department, people can be exposed to opioids through skin absorption; exposure to their nose, mouth or eyes; and through inhalation.

It was not known which method of exposure occurred in this situation.

While an investigation was ongoing Monday, the narcotics were not believed to be a factor in the man’s death. An autopsy is expected.

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