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Michigan woman swallows fluid in needle while troopers struggle to take it from her during traffic stop

Posted at 12:17 PM, Apr 02, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-02 12:52:15-04

CADILLAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — A traffic stop turned into a struggle over a syringe Sunday evening in Haring Township, according to Michigan State Police.

Troopers from the Cadillac Post stopped a car for speeding on East 34 Road around 5:25 p.m. on March 31.

Inside the car was a male driver and female passenger, 41-year-old Kelly MacDonald. A background check revealed she was wanted on outstanding warrants from other agencies, police say.

When the trooper told MacDonald about the warrants and ordered her out of the car, she pulled out "a needle/syringe containing an unknown fluid." MacDonald refused to drop the needle and get out of the car.

The male driver and troopers then tried to restrain MacDonald "as it became apparent she intended to harm/inject herself."

Police say as the struggle continued, MacDonald was able to swallow a portion of the substance. She quickly became unresponsive. Officers then administered two doses of Narcan, with a third administered by a backup officer.

EMS arrived to the scene and took MacDonald to a local hospital, where she was treated for an overdose and released. She was taken to Wexford County Jail.

Wexford County prosecutors issued a felony warrant charging MacDonald with one count of resisting and obstructing a police officer.

She was arraigned Monday at the 84th District Court.

The investigation is ongoing.