A series of deaths over the weekend has the attention of Windsor police.
Sergeant Steve Betteridge said Monday afternoon that officers were called to five separate incidents over a 24-hour period spanning early Saturday morning to early Sunday morning. He confirmed four people were found dead. Previous reports stated there were five deaths, but Betteridge said one survived as the result of timely medical help.
Donald McArthur, communications officer for Essex-Windsor EMS, concurred that paramedics dealt with four deaths. He also said three additional patients were transported to hospital for suspected drug overdoses
Police say it is standard procedure to investigate every sudden death with the possibility of criminal activity involved. The Major Crimes Unit is handling each case, and Betteridge said it is too early to state whether drugs, particularly fentanyl, played a role in each death.
Nevertheless, there is suspicion in each case that illicit drugs were involved, and Betteridge said the dangers of them have been publicised for some time.
"The effect of the opioid crisis has been felt across the country. There is no single clear and concise answer or solution to such complex issues," said Betteridge. "The Windsor Police Service firmly believes that it requires a coordinated approach with many community partners, working together in real-time, and we continue to work with partner agencies to help keep our communities safe."
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that can be fatal even in minute doses. Those who take street drugs are asked never to take them alone, and always make sure they or someone they are with has Narcan or naloxone with them.
Anyone with information on any of these incidents is urged to call the WPS Major Crimes Unit at (519) 255-6700, ext. 4820. Anonymous tips can be phoned into Crime Stoppers at (519) 258-TIPS (8477), or submitted online.