Monument police officer taken to hospital following possible narcotics exposure

MONUMENT, Colo. (KKTV) - The Monument Police Department is reporting an officer had to be hospitalized following an incident Wednesday night. Police are reporting a suspicious vehicle was spotted in a parking lot near Jackson Creek Parkway and Leather Chaps Drive.

“A female occupant was found to be in control of the vehicle at that location and was contacted by officers,” part of a news release from Monumen PD reads. “She was found to have a warrant out for her arrest. Drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics were also discovered while officers were in contact with the suspect.”

Soon after the suspect was taken into custody, an officer started to “not feel well” and was taken to the hospital. That officer was released from the hospital later that night. Police said it may have been tied to “possible narcotics” exposure.

Kaitlyn Lynch, 27, was arrested on multiple charges.

EDITOR’S NOTE: After someone reached out to 11 News about concerns in our reporting, we wanted to add this information.

Although Monument police have not announced what type of narcotics were discovered, there is a common misconception that simply touching fentanyl can lead to an overdose. It isn’t clear what type of exposure the officer had to the drug in question, or if the substance was even fentanyl.

Click here for more on the CDC about fentanyl exposure.

In the past, 11 News has asked El Paso County Coroner Dr. Leon Kelly if simply touching fentanyl can be dangerous.

“Bystanders, first responders, other folks are under no real significant risk when encountering someone that’s had a fentanyl overdose,” Dr. Kelly explained. “Generally, when we discover it, it’s pills on a table or at the scene or in a pocket. By using normal things like latex gloves and normal personal protective equipment, there’s really no risk to the average citizen.”