Officers possibly exposed to fentanyl on Golden Gate Bridge released from hospital

SAN FRANCISCO - Five law enforcement and a tow truck driver hospitalized after possible fentanyl exposure on the Golden Gate Bridge have been released from the hospital, an official said Monday.

Four California Highway Patrol officers, a Golden Gate Bridge patrol officer and a bridge tow truck driver were exposed to a chemical substance believed to be fentanyl while attempting to aid the driver of a car who stopped Sunday on the San Francisco bridge, said CHP Officer Andrew Barclay.

All six were transported to Marin General Hospital for exposure to the substance. The first officer that came in contact with the unconscious driver was convulsing and vomiting on the ground. The others were treated for nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vision changes, and other symptoms consistent with fentanyl exposure, Barclay said.

All had been released by Monday, he said.

Authorities received reports of a drunken driver swerving erratically before stopping on the south end of the bridge Sunday, Barclay said.

One of the officers who found the driver unconscious was also rendered unconscious by a “white powdery substance” found in the car, he said.

“Two others on the scene — a CHP officer and a tow-truck driver — tried to help the first officer out of the car, and administered Narcan,” Barclay said, referring to a nasal spray used to reverse the effects of narcotics and prevent overdoses.

The unconscious driver was also given Narcan and taken to a hospital. The driver was also released from the hospital and has since been booked into jail for DUI and possession of a controlled substance, Barclay said.