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BILLERICA (WBZNewsRadio) - A Lowell man is facing a number of charges after he allegedly ripped open a bag containing fentanyl during an arrest attempt and exposed a Billerica police officer to drug. The officer lost consciousness and was taken to the hospital.
On Wednesday, April 19, authorities stopped a vehicle with canceled registration along Webb Brook Road and learned the driver, now identified as Charles Lang, also had a suspended license.
During the traffic stop, Lang allegedly attempted to destroy a small bag of powder. Officers tried to get the 65 year old out of the car but a struggle ensued and at some point, the bag of powder was ripped open. The powder substance, now identified as fentanyl, went flying covering Lang's hands and the rear quarter panel of the car.
Upon returning to the police station with Lang in custody, the officer involved in the traffic stop passed out. They were taken to the hospital and treated for exposure to fentanyl. The officer has since been released.
"This incident illustrates the danger posed by even a small amount of fentanyl that became airborne," said Chief Roy Frost. "We are grateful that our officer is expected to make a full recovery, but alarmed that such a small amount of fentanyl caused an officer to lose consciousness. This incident highlights the potency of fentanyl and the dangers that are faced by officers if this substance becomes airborne."
Lang was arraigned on Thursday on multiple charges including withholding evidence from a criminal proceeding, drug possession charges, operating with a suspended license, and operating an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle.
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