State trooper released from hospital after possible fentanyl exposure

A Massachusetts State Police trooper is recovering after suffering what was believed to have been a fentanyl exposure.

Just after midnight, a trooper was conducting a motor vehicle stop in Barnstable. The trooper observed a powder substance on himself and experienced light-headedness after conducting a pat frisk of the suspect.

The trooper and the suspect - who was showing overdose symptoms - were taken to Cape Cod Hospital.

The trooper was evaluated and released from the hospital around 2:30 a.m.

The suspect, who was a passenger in the car, was identified as 37-year-old Arthur Ashley of New Bedford. Police say Ashley was wanted on an outstanding warrant and was booked at the state police barracks in Yarmouth.

Ashley is expected to be arraigned in Barnstable District Court Thursday.

Cox Media Group