JEFFERSON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Update: All deputies who were taken to the hospital have been released and are once again cleared for duty.
Five deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office have been rushed to the hospital after they were exposed to an "unknown substance" while at the Jefferson County jail on December 20.
According to reports, two deputies were quickly taken to the Jefferson Regional Medical Center after they became unconscious just after they were in contact with a detainee who was reportedly being uncooperative.
The detainee stated that people were allegedly "smoking paper that had been soaked with drugs" while in the cell. After a thorough search of the cell was completed, one more deputy complained of chest pains and another began to have a headache and noticed that she had a rash on her face. They were then also taken to the hospital.
A fifth deputy who had been assisting in the search was also taken to the hospital out of precaution and was released from the hospital after not showing any symptoms.
Police state that they still do not know what the deputies were exposed to.
"We are relieved to report that all of our deputies are currently receiving medical attention, and we remain hopeful for their full recovery," said Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing and we will update with more information as soon as it becomes available.