Ms. Parkhouse had a passenger with her, Gregory Provett, 42, of Williston. The deputy noted both Parkhouse and Provett were extremely nervous. Their demeanor coupled with other observed behavior made the deputy suspect they were attempting to conceal a crime.
Deputy Alton Horne and his K-9 partner Behr arrived to assist. Behr alerted Deputy Horne, having detected the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed an empty baggie in the passenger door that contained a white powder residue.
Deputies also found a full fountain drink cup in the center console and the lid was askew. The residue in the baggie was tested and confirmed the substance was fentanyl. The liquid in the cup was also tested and it too tested positive for fentanyl. Based on these findings Provett was arrested for possession of narcotics and tampering with evidence.
During this arrest, a third deputy assisting in this investigation was exposed to fentanyl and began experiencing overdose symptoms at the scene. This deputy was transported to the hospital for treatment and was later released.
Deputies believe the fentanyl became airborne inside the vehicle and evidence supports Provett attempted to destroy the drug by dissolving it into the drink cup. Tiny particulates of this most powerful drug can enter a person’s system by inhalation or skin contact. The drug is fast acting and can lead to a deadly overdose with only a small amount. Research suggests as little as 2mg or the equivalent to 7 grains of table salt can cause an overdose.
