A Battle Ground police sergeant found unconscious in his office died of fentanyl and methamphetamine poisoning after taking the drugs, authorities disclosed Thursday, as the department’s chief ordered an audit of how officers handle seized narcotics.
Sgt. Richard Kelly was pronounced dead at a local hospital on Aug. 10 after he was discovered at the department, according to a police statement. At the time, Battle Ground police said Kelly had experienced a medical emergency while on duty.
The Clark County medical examiner determined Kelly died of the combined effects of the drugs, police said. Vancouver police investigated Kelly’s death and concluded that it was “more likely than not caused by an intentional act and not an incidental workplace exposure,” the statement said.
Battle Ground Police Chief Mike Fort ordered an independent audit of how police handle seized narcotics and other evidence and will institute training changes as needed based on the findings, police said.
“Substance abuse is a serious problem that often goes unsuspected and undetected,” Fort said. “As a community, we need to support local efforts to assist anyone struggling with the effects of mental health and substance abuse so they may achieve recovery.”
Kelly had been with Battle Ground police since 2005. The department serves a city with a population of about 22,000 about 30 minutes from Portland.
“I want to thank the community and other law enforcement agencies once again for their compassionate support of the men and women of the Battle Ground Police Department as we grieved through the shock of this death,” Fort said in the statement. “Sgt. Kelly’s unexpected passing was a significant and traumatic event for his co-workers, family, and friends.”
