February 21, 2023 |
After three suspected fentanyl overdoses and a noon-time drug bust at a restaurant on Bridge Street Friday, the Saratoga Police Department will hold a community roundtable to address illegal drug use and what to do about it. The meeting comes after a near-total news blackout on the drug overdoses.
Earlier in the month, Carbon County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an emergency call in Saratoga. Two residents were found unresponsive in their home. A press release from the Sheriff’s Office said the couple died of a fentanyl overdose.
An unidentified 34-year-old Hanna man also passed away last weekend. First-term Sheriff Alex Bakken said the death is related to the fatal overdoses in Saratoga.
Bigfoot 99 also received unconfirmed reports of a third, non-fatal, overdose in Saratoga. Information suggests the overdose is also connected to the three drug deaths.
Law enforcement has been tight-lipped about the fatalities. The Sheriff’s Department blamed the lack of openness on the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation which is the lead agency on the case.
Police Chief Mike Morris said residents, including Chair of the Board of County Commissioners Sue Jones, have contacted him asking for more information. He said the police department will host a meeting on Thursday to discuss people’s concerns.
Chief Morris said he wanted to assure everyone that Saratoga isn’t being overwhelmed with illegal drugs. He said Thursday’s community roundtable is a way to make sure the entire town is aware of what is going on.
Saratoga Police Department’s community roundtable is Thursday, February 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at the Platte Valley Community Center. Chief Morris is asking people to RSVP by calling the police department at (307) 326-8316.
