In two separate incidents, law enforcement, a FedEx and driver and health care employees were exposed to unknown substances Thursday in Southwest Florida, sending some to the hospital.
FMPD officers sent to hospital exposure to unknown substance
Two officers were briefly hospitalized after exposure to an unknown substance during a traffic stop Thursday.
The unnamed officers with the Fort Myers Police Dept. were treated at Lee Memorial Hospital for exposure to an unknown substance while conducting a traffic stop on US 41 and Hill Ave. in Fort Myers, the FMPD press release states.
During the stop, a gust of wind blew an unknown substance onto the officers. The officers quickly experienced reactions. They are now in the emergency room as a precaution and appear to be doing well, the FMPD press release states.
The vehicle stopped in the traffic stop has been impounded and the suspect has been detained.
FedEx driver and Cape Coral MedExpress employees exposed to unknown substance
A FedEx driver and about 20 employees at a MedExpress in Cape Coral came into contact with an unknown chemical substance from a package the driver was transporting Thursday.
A hazmat team responded to the scene, and law enforcement secured the area, which also shut down a next-door Xfinity store.
It is unclear what the substance is, but it has been confirmed it’s a non-aerosol substance.
The driver appears to be the only person affected by the unknown substance.
Law enforcement told WINK News it will continue to respond to the scene until it finds out where the package came from.
“They are about to release them back out from lockdown, so that they can go about their business. If they would like to be deconed (decontaminated) they are welcome to,” said Andrea Schuch with Cape Coral Fire Department. “If they don’t feel well or need to be transported to the hospital, we’ve arrange for that to happen as well.”
Trust WINK News to update you as more information becomes available.