Police Department

Drug suspected in at least one fatality, twenty police calls

Ofc N. Briggs #1177

Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 8:58 p.m.

Unknown drug suspected in at least one fatality and almost twenty police calls today

SPD has seen a dramatic increase in drug related calls for service today, 08-14-18, indicating there may be a substance on the street creating adverse health effects. At least one fatality has been reported, along with almost twenty other calls to SPD regarding subjects acting in an erratic fashion. The observed behavior is consistent with a stimulant; effected persons hallucinate, act in an unpredictable and sometimes violent manner. Many of the persons have been walking in the middle of the street and yelling randomly at people or objects not present. Some of the subjects have acted violently upon contact with police, and multiple persons have been transported to local hospitals for treatment.

It is not possible to say definitively that all the incidents are linked, however the similarities in behavior and truncated timeframe make it likely a common drug is responsible. The Spokane Police Department Drug Unit is aware of the situation and attempting to ascertain the source and nature of the substance.

If you observe someone who appears to be under the influence of a stimulant and jeopardizing the safety of themselves or others please call 911. Due to the erratic demeanor people effected have exhibited we ask citizens not to engage them, and rather report the incident to law enforcement. At the writing of this release SPD is continuing to receive calls about the above stated behavior, and an immediate response by police is not always possible due to the incident volume. Please keep yourself safe and provide as much information to Crime Check as possible, especially due to the unknown response times. If you have information about suspects involved in drug distribution you are urged to call crime check at 509-456-2233 and your information can be forwarded to the drug unit.

If you are struggling with substance addiction SPD urges you to seek help, and be especially cognizant right now as the drugs currently on the street may cause a different reaction than anticipated.

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