PULASKI, Va. – A wanted man was arrested and two officers were treated for possible fentanyl exposure after a Thursday morning drug bust, according to the Pulaski Police Department.
Officials say that at 10:30 a.m., officers observed a wanted man, Meril Isadore Brown Jr. in the area of Bell Avenue, traveling in a vehicle. The officers initiated a traffic stop and attempted to take Brown into custody.
Interim Police Chief for the town Mike Parmelee said when officers pulled Brown over and tried to arrest him, he began trying to destroy a large quantity of drugs while resisting arrest.
“It’s a serious concern it’s happening more and more frequently,” said Parmelee. “The officers and Mr. Brown had some of the narcotic on their clothing, but we have safety precautions the officers are supposed to use.”
The two officers and Brown were treated for possible fentanyl exposure. Brown currently is being held without bond at transported to the New River Regional Jail where he is being held without bond.
While both officers are okay Parmelee said this is the reality for first responders now.