FLAGSTAFF, AZ — Three people were arrested after leading authorities on a car chase Monday that resulted in two Coconino County sheriff deputies being exposed to possible fentanyl that was found inside the trio's vehicle.
Deputies tried to conduct a traffic stop for a vehicle that was heading north on Hutton Ranch Road from Townsend Winona Road, according to the Coconino County Sheriff's Office.
The vehicle, which authorities said was known to be connected to a felony warrant, did not stop, triggering a car chase in the area of Coconino National Forest.
The chase lasted a brief time after the trio's vehicle became stuck in cinders, in which deputies were able to bring all three into custody.
As authorities began to search the vehicle, they noticed alleged drug paraphernalia and continued to search the vehicle further.
The deputies then began to feel sick and were experiencing symptoms similar to fentanyl ingestion, according to officials.
Narcan was immediately used on both deputies and they were later taken to Flagstaff Medical Center as a precaution.
At this time, the deputies are in stable condition and the substance they were exposed to has not been officially identified.
Authorities identified the driver as 26-year-old Jose Chavarria, of Flagstaff, who was also transported to Flagstaff Medical Center.
Once he is released, he will be booked into Coconino County Jail on a felony parole violation warrant. along with several other charges.
An investigation remains underway.
