An investigation has been launched after a Pennsylvania police officer died from a drug overdose, WYMT reported.
West Hills Police Sergeant Michael Beblar died on June 13. After an autopsy was performed, fentanyl, hydrocodone and xylazine were found in his system.
According to Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees, Beblar, 40, took the drug from an evidence locker within the department. When going through Beblar’s personal items, investigators found drugs that were entered as evidence from current and past cases.
“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,” Neugebaur said.
Neugebaur said Beblar’s death came as a shock to those who knew him.
“The Beblar family has been extremely gracious throughout this process. They have expressed shock and surprise at his apparent drug usage. They are clearly a very strong family,” he said.
Authorities say there are nine active cases that are currently missing evidence or were tampered with.
