Bodycam footage has captured a tense moment during a drug arrest in Ocala, Florida, where a suspect allegedly blew fentanyl in a deputy’s face. According to the New York Post, Jesse James McAuliffe was pulled from his vehicle outside a grocery store on April 30.
Two officers placed McAuliffe in handcuffs after discovering what authorities say was a small bag of fentanyl in his pocket. In the video, McAuliffe can reportedly be heard telling officers, “It’s sugar, test it.” One deputy responded, “Sugar? You carry sugar in a baggie like that?” McAuliffe then claimed he carried it in case his blood sugar dropped.
Deputy Exposed During Search
Authorities say the situation escalated during a more thorough search. An officer reportedly located a black bottle cap mixed with napkins that allegedly contained fentanyl.
During the encounter, McAuliffe is accused of blowing the substance toward the deputy’s face. Marion County officials stated that he attempted to destroy evidence.
Department Issues Warning
In a Facebook statement, local authorities confirmed that the deputy exposed to the substance was okay. “Even a small amount of Fentanyl can be life-threatening. These are the real risks our deputies face every day. Luckily, Deputy Qubaisy is okay,” the department said.
McAuliffe now faces charges related to drug possession and alleged evidence tampering.
The investigation remains ongoing.
