Pueblo, United States - July 23, 2024

A Pueblo County Sheriff's Patrol Deputy is recovering after being exposed to fentanyl and briefly losing consciousness while taking a suspect into custody early Tuesday morning. The incident unfolded at Loaf N Jug on Santa Fe Avenue, where deputies responded to reports of an unwanted person.

Upon arrival, deputies identified the individual as Anthony Gendoes, 31, who had an active warrant. During a routine pat-down, deputies discovered suspected fentanyl pills and paraphernalia on Gendoes, who admitted to recently smoking the drug.

After placing Gendoes in custody without incident, deputies began processing the seized items. It was during this time that one deputy started feeling unwell and collapsed. Acting swiftly, another deputy administered Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug, which successfully revived their colleague. The affected deputy was subsequently hospitalized and has since been released to recover at home.

Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero emphasized the dangers deputies face daily, especially with substances like fentanyl. "This incident underscores the lethal risks associated with exposure to this drug," Sheriff Lucero stated. "Our deputies' preparedness and quick actions, including the use of Narcan, undoubtedly saved a life in this critical moment."

Following the exposure, the Sheriff's Office engaged the Colorado State Patrol Hazmat team to safely handle and test the confiscated substances, confirming the presence of fentanyl.

Anthony Gendoes was arrested on his warrant and now faces additional charges of possession of a controlled substance. He is currently held at Pueblo County Jail pending further legal proceedings.