WHEATLAND, Wis. (WFRV) – A Vernon County deputy was hospitalized Thursday evening after being exposed to second-hand methamphetamine smoke while executing a search warrant in the town of Wheatland.
According to the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy was treated at a nearby hospital and has since been released. Officials say the deputy is expected to return to duty.
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During the incident, Kyle J. Backlund, 35, of Viroqua, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony bail jumping. Authorities noted that Backlund’s arrest was unrelated to the original warrant being served.
Backlund had previously been arrested in a drug-related case on May 29. He was released from custody on June 4 on a $1,000 signature bond—just 33 hours before the deputy was exposed.
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The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests may be forthcoming.
“This is poison affecting our community, and we will put forward our best effort to locate the source,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
