Atascocita, TX — A Precinct 4 deputy constable is recovering after a frightening incident in which he reportedly inhaled an unknown white powder during a routine traffic stop in the Atascocita area early Friday morning. According to Constable Mark Herman, the exposure caused the deputy to fall ill within moments, triggering an urgent medical response.
The incident occurred around 4 a.m. in the 16800 block of Ramsay Cascades Drive, near Pierson Hollow Drive. Deputies had attempted to stop a vehicle when the driver allegedly tried to evade law enforcement, leading to a brief pursuit through the neighborhood.
Driver Detained After Attempting to Flee
Investigators say the driver eventually pulled over and was detained without further confrontation. While deputies were searching the suspect’s vehicle, they located a white powdery substance inside. As the search continued, the powder reportedly became airborne, drifting into the air and causing one deputy to accidentally inhale the substance.
Within seconds, the deputy began showing signs of distress and became violently ill, prompting an immediate emergency response from his fellow officers.
Life-Saving Narcan Administered by Deputies
Recognizing the symptoms of potential drug exposure, Precinct 4 deputies quickly administered multiple doses of Narcan, a medication commonly used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Their rapid response is being credited with stabilizing the deputy long enough for paramedics to take over.
Emergency medical personnel soon arrived on the scene and transported the deputy to a nearby hospital for continued treatment and observation. His current condition has not been publicly released, but officials say he is expected to recover.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges
The driver involved in the incident was immediately placed under arrest. According to Constable Herman, the suspect is facing charges of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Evading in a Motor Vehicle. Authorities added that additional charges may follow once laboratory testing confirms the identity of the white powder.
Officials have not released the suspect’s name or age as the investigation continues.
Constable Praises Fast, Coordinated Response
Constable Mark Herman emphasized that the deputies’ quick actions played a crucial role in preventing a potentially tragic outcome.
He stated that the swift response by the officers on scene likely prevented “a much worse outcome,” noting that substance exposure during vehicle searches has become an increasingly common and dangerous situation for law enforcement.
Investigation Continues Into Unknown Substance
The powder has been sent to a crime laboratory for analysis. Until the results are complete, investigators cannot confirm whether the substance was fentanyl, another opioid, or a different narcotic altogether. Hazards associated with airborne exposure remain a major concern for deputies, who encounter unknown chemicals during traffic stops and searches.
Precinct 4 has not released additional details but says the investigation is ongoing.
Community Concerns About Officer Safety
Incidents like this continue to highlight the risks law enforcement officers face — even during routine stops. Residents in the Atascocita area expressed concern on social media, noting the growing number of reports about deputies encountering hazardous narcotics while on duty.
Officials remind the public that deputies are trained for these situations but emphasize that the presence of dangerous substances in daily policing poses risks that extend far beyond the suspected offenders.
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