Southport police officer overdoses on fentanyl during traffic stop

SOUTHPORT, Ind. — An officer with the Southport Police Department is recovering after coming into contact with and overdosing on fentanyl during a recent traffic stop.

SPD said around 7 p.m. last Friday Lieutenant Tony Wilson pulled over a driver at the Speedway gas station at US 31 and County Line Road on the south side of Indianapolis. The driver reportedly had a criminal record and no license.

While searching the car, SPD said Wilson found a dollar bill that was covered in what he thought was fentanyl.

The Lieutenant said that he accidentally inhaled the white powder and soon passed out from its effects. His bosses credit his training for a positive result.

“Demonstrating incredible presence of mind, Lt. Wilson was able to call for medical assistance before losing consciousness,” SPD said.

Southport police said that thanks to Wilson’s quick thinking and the speedy response from Indianapolis Fire Department crews, the lieutenant’s life was saved.

“This officer was fighting for his life,” SPD Chief Thomas Vaughn. “He inhaled it, so trying to get himself help and also Narcan. There’s a lot going on in that situation.”

SPD said Friday that Wilson is currently recovering and is expected to fully heal.

Now, the Department is reviewing its procedures to see if officers in the future need any new equipment or devices to respond to narcotics-related calls.

Additionally, SPD confirmed Monday that Lt. Wilson was among the officers to respond to the mass shooting at the Greenwood Park Mall in 2022. Wilson reportedly helped customers hiding in place evacuate the mall.

Wilson’s superiors said that his experience from scenarios like that is what led to his quick decision-making on Friday.

“He looks at different things to do and works through those scenarios every day to be better,” Chief Vaughn said. “If he wasn’t that good, we’d be having another police funeral today.”

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