³ÉÈËXÕ¾

³ÉÈËXÕ¾ NEWSRADIO

Battle Ground Police changing protocol after sergeant’s OD on seized drugs

Oct 27, 2023, 8:04 AM | Updated: 8:55 am

battle ground seized drugs...

A Battle Ground Police Department vehicle (Photo courtesy of Battle Ground Police Department)

(Photo courtesy of Battle Ground Police Department)

A police chief in one Washington city is ordering an audit on how seized drugs are handled after one of his cops overdosed on the job.

(BGPD) Sergeant Richard Kelly was found unconscious in his office from what police initially described as a medical emergency on Aug. 10 and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The Clark County Medical Examiner has determined Kelly died from a combination of the illicit drugs fentanyl and methamphetamine. The medical examiner noted the death was accidental due to “drug use/abuse.”

More from Heather Bosch: Wash. state senator arrested in Hong Kong for having gun in airport

The Battle Ground Police Department stated it brought in detectives from the Vancouver Police Department to conduct an independent investigation. Given evidence at the scene and the medical examiner’s report, investigators said Kelly’s death was “more likely than not caused by an intentional act and not an incidental workplace exposure.”

When reached for comment, the BGPD said Chief Mike Fort was not available for an interview.

But in a statement, the department stated Fort has requested an audit on how his department handles evidence — including seized narcotics — and will make changes in training and procedures, based on the audit’s findings.

Heather Bosch’s series ‘Facing Fentanyl’: Hear the voices of people hurting

“Substance abuse is a serious problem that often goes unsuspected and undetected,” Fort said in a . “As a community, we need to support local efforts to assist anyone struggling with the effects of mental health and substance abuse so they may achieve recovery.”

³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Newsradio

burien city council...

John Curley Show

‘A big fat lie’: Burien council member slams DESC-run facility over lack of treatment

A Burien City Council member voiced her frustrations with a DESC-run shelter over a lack of treatment.

22 hours ago

Andrew Tate...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘Nothing quite like it’: Hydroplane champion captures rush of Seafair races

The roar of hydroplane engines returned to Lake Washington Friday as the Apollo Mechanical Cup kicked off Seafair weekend.

1 day ago

blue angels...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

Is Blue Angels protest going to stop festivities? — ‘Heck no!’ Jake Skorheim says

Jake and Spike talk about the Blue Angels ahead of Seafair weekend.

2 days ago

Image: Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson...

John Curley Show

‘Throwing money at the right problem’: Seattle council president defends tax-funded treatment bill

Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson explained her addiction treatment bill on "The John Curley Show."

2 days ago

Photo: Two river otters. WDFW recently reported a child was involved in an animal attack when an ot...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘I think there’s some liability’: ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ hosts debate who’s at fault for Bremerton otter attack

The mother of a young child who was violently attacked by a river otter at the Bremerton Marina last year has filed a lawsuit against the Port of Bremerton

2 days ago

costco shooting...

James Lynch

Man charged in Tukwila Costco parking lot murder pleads not guilty

Prosecutors announced last week charges against two teens for the murder of Mingyuan Huang in a Tukwila parking lot back in January.

2 days ago

Battle Ground Police changing protocol after sergeant’s OD on seized drugs