Cop Dies From Overdose After Stealing Drugs From Evidence Lockers, Officials Say

Authorities in Pennsylvania have launched an investigation following the tragic death of a police officer attributed to a fatal drug overdose. The county coroner confirmed that the officer’s demise was a result of ingesting drugs that he had stolen from evidence lockers.

The officer, identified as Sergeant Michael Beblar of the West Hills Police, passed away on June 13 from cardiac arrest caused by the overdose. The toxicology report revealed the presence of fentanyl, hydrocodone, and xylazine in his system, indicating his illicit drug use.

Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees stated that the officer’s death was directly linked to his unlawful actions of stealing and consuming illegal drugs from the police department’s evidence lockers, local NBC station WVLT reported.

In light of this incident, Pennsylvania State Police authorities have initiated an investigation into the West Hills Police Department’s evidence storage and handling protocols.

The county’s District Attorney disclosed that nine ongoing cases are currently affected by missing evidence or potential tampering.

“I think it’s safe to say this wasn’t a one-off occurrence. How long it was going on? Frankly, we’ll never know,” Greg Neugebaur said.

Neugebaur added that it does not appear Beblar received drugs from sources outside of the police department.