Millsboro officer suspended pending investigation into drug evidence

A Millsboro police officer has been suspended in connection with an investigation into improper access to drug evidence.

The officer, who is not named, was found unresponsive in a fully marked patrol vehicle at 11:20 a.m., Feb. 19, said Millsboro Police Chief Brian K. Calloway. The officer was taken to a nearby medical facility for possible exposure to fentanyl, Calloway said.

The officer was assigned as an evidence custodian for the department, Calloway said, and may have improperly accessed drug evidence which caused him to become unresponsive. 

Once the Millsboro Police Department suspected possible tampering with evidence, Calloway said, the concern was immediately reported to the Department of Justice. The Delaware State Police has agreed to conduct a criminal investigation, he said, and the Millsboro Police Department will conduct internal investigations as necessary. 

The Millsboro police officer has been placed on administrative leave with pay, and his name is currently withheld while an ongoing investigation is underway. Calloway said there is no further comment.