Austin police investigate 51 suspected overdoses that left 8 dead - KXAN

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said Tuesday they’re launching an investigation into who provided drugs that resulted in 51 suspected overdoses and possibly eight deaths throughout Austin.

During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, detectives told reporters they detained at least two people, calling them persons of interest in this deadly overdose investigation. One of those people is now facing a felony charge of in possession of a firearm, police said. However, more charges and arrests could be forthcoming.

“It is apparent there is a deadly batch of illicit narcotics in our community,” APD Asst. Chief Eric Fitzgerald said, adding police will find the people responsible and hold them accountable.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown called what unfolded in the last 27 hours as the “largest opioid overdose outbreak we’ve seen in years.” The earliest response to this surge began at about 9 a.m. Monday, and Austin-Travis County EMS paramedics said it was initially concentrated in the downtown area. However, other calls followed through Tuesday morning in different parts of the city.

Read more: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/atcems-to-provide-more-details-on-multiple-overdose-incident-downtown/

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There were numerous reports of cardiac arrest related to the batch of drugs. It is suspected that fentanyl was used to lace other street drugs.