By ELLEN ENDO, Rafu Shimpo
Two people showing symptoms of a possible drug overdose were hospitalized, while a third person refused further medical treatment, when a drug investigation triggered an emergency hazmat (hazardous materials) response and brought two law enforcement agencies to Little Tokyo on Thursday.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics and Los Angeles Police Department units descended on the area after a white, powdery substance was found on the sidewalk near Second Street and Central Avenue. The substance, apparently thrown from a sixth-floor apartment near Second and Central, was later determined by LAFD to be cocaine laced with fentanyl.
According to reports, Alhambra Police Department officers attempted to serve a search warrant in connection with a drug investigation earlier in the day. LAPD was called to the 300 block of East Second Street when an unknown substance was reported. One suspect was taken into custody.
As a precaution, Second Street between Central Avenue and San Pedro Street was closed for several hours while LAFD cleaned the sidewalks and conducted tests to ensure that no hazardous substance remained.
Others who were in and/or near the apartment building in the affected area, including police officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel, were tested and deemed to be out of danger.