Police: Fairfax Co. officer hospitalized after becoming ill from heroin substance found inside car

McLEAN, Va. - A Fairfax County police officer was hospitalized after being exposed to a substance that is believed to be heroin while responding to a call for an unresponsive man inside of a car, according to police.

The incident happened just before 1 p.m. on Oct. 17 in the 8100 block of Watson Street in McLean.

Fairfax County police say as officers conducted a search of the car, one of their officers inhaled an unknown substance inside the vehicle that caused the officer to become ill and dizzy.

The officer was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. No one else was affected at the scene.

The substance was tested and it is believed to be heroin, police say.

The officer is expected to return to duty next week.