Jail Deputy Hospitalized After Being Exposed To Inmate's Fentanyl

TAMPA, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating the moments that led up to a deputy's hospitalization due to exposure to fentanyl on Friday.

Around 6:30 p.m. that evening, Deputy Ismael Contreras was conducting a routine search at the Falkenburg Road Jail when he was exposed to a powdery substance located in an inmate’s bunk area.

Contreras quickly sealed the powder in a rubber glove in an effort to minimize his exposure to the unknown substance. Within minutes, he felt the adverse effects of the powdery substance.

He alerted jail deputies and nearly passed out due to the effects of the substance, which tested positive for fentanyl. Another sheriff's office team member gave two doses of Narcan to Contreras and he was rushed to Tampa General Hospital by ambulance.

He was discharged after recovering around 10:30 p.m. and returned to work Saturday night.

The inmates involved in this incident have been moved to confinement.

"This scary situation is one that no deputy should ever have to endure," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our team remains committed to eliminating illegal drugs in our detention facilities. HCSO commends Deputy Contreras' dedication to his craft and ambition to return to work quickly after such a terrifying incident."

Contreras, 25, was hired by the sheriff's office in April 2022.