LAPD and LAFD Employees Become Sick After Responding to Downtown LA Pharmacy

A Los Angeles police officer and Los Angeles firefighter suddenly became ill Sunday after coming into contact with a man in the custody of a security officer at a downtown pharmacy.

The apparent contamination happened at a pharmacy at 617 W. Seventh St. around 4:20 p.m., according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. The officer and firefighter suffered blurred vision and tingling hands.

Both were taken with the suspect to a hospital and reported in fair condition, Humphrey said. They all received decontamination showers.

The LAFD's hazardous material squad was sent to the hospital and found the presence of cocaine.

The man in custody got away at some point.