LAFAYETTE, LA – Six Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Deputies were hospitalized and are now in stable condition after being exposed to fentanyl during an offender’s booking process at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. The incident occurred late Thursday afternoon in the intake and booking area of the facility.
According to authorities, the exposure took place while a suspect was being processed for an arrest by an outside agency. During the procedure, a white, powdery substance, later confirmed to be fentanyl, was thrown at several deputies in the vicinity.
The deputies were immediately taken to medical facilities for evaluation and treatment, where they are being closely monitored. The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all six deputies are in stable condition and have not suffered life-threatening injuries.
In response to the emergency, multiple first responders were quickly dispatched to the scene, and roads surrounding the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center were temporarily blocked. Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community. However, in the interest of safety, the Correctional Center has halted all bookings until the area is thoroughly cleaned and deemed safe.
Cleaning crews from an industrial cleaning company were on-site to decontaminate the area, ensuring that no traces of fentanyl remain in the facility. The cleaning process was said to be a precautionary measure to protect staff, inmates, and visitors from any potential risks.
The suspect who caused the exposure is currently in custody, and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that further investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Authorities continue to stress the dangers posed by fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that can be fatal even in small amounts. They are urging caution when handling unknown substances, especially in law enforcement and correctional settings where such risks are heightened.
This is a developing story, and more updates will be provided as they become available.