Deputy stuck by heroin needle during search

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Milwaukee County sheriff’s deputy who was searching a suspect got stuck by a needle that was used to inject heroin.

The sheriff’s office says it happened after a three-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 94.

The suspect was a 51-year-old New Berlin man, who at first refused the deputy’s order to remain in his vehicle. Sheriff’s spokeswoman Fran McLaughlin says the deputy recognized him as someone he had recently arrested for OWI. She says the suspect claimed he didn’t have any drug paraphernalia, but when the deputy searched him he was stuck by a needle in the man’s shorts pocket.

The spokeswoman says the now suspect faces charges that could result in nearly seven years in prison.

The deputy is undergoing testing and treatment for the needle stick.