Fostoria Police Officer Overcomes Overdose During Traffic Stop; Two Arrested

Fostoria, Ohio – June 14, 2025 – A routine traffic stop in Fostoria turned into a life-threatening incident for one police officer, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and highlighting the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. The Fostoria Police Department released a press statement detailing the events that unfolded on June 14, 2025, at approximately 0211 hours.

The incident began when Fostoria Police Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of Columbus Ave. During the stop, officers developed a reasonable suspicion that there were possible illegal drugs in the vehicle. To investigate further, a K9 unit, Officer Jared Linding and Bandit, was called to the scene. After a positive indication by Bandit, probable cause was established, and officers began searching the vehicle for illegal substances.

During the search, Officer Brayden Moon located a white powdery substance in the purse of passenger Latoya Bowers. The substance, now presumed to be fentanyl, became airborne due to weather conditions and Officer Moon was exposed. Shortly after the exposure, Officer Moon collapsed and is believed to have suffered an overdose. Officers on the scene, Moira White and Jeremy Salaz, immediately began life-saving measures and called for EMS. Officer in Charge, Colin Taggart, arrived on the scene and administered several doses of Narcan to Officer Moon, reviving him. Officer Moon was then transported by EMS to Fostoria Community Hospital for further evaluation, where he was treated and later released.

Ms. Bowers was arrested for Corrupting Another with Drugs, ORC 2925.02, a felony of the second degree. The driver, Alex Tiell, was also arrested and charged with Complicity, ORC 2923.03, a felony of the second degree. Both Bowers and Tiell were transported to and are currently being held at the Seneca County Jail. Other charges will be filed pending further investigation and chemical testing.

Chief Gabe Wedge of the Fostoria Police Department expressed gratitude for the officers’ quick response and the life-saving training that paid off. “I cannot say enough, how proud I am of these officers and how they responded, saving a fellow officer’s life in this chaotic moment. Experience and training truly paid off, and an officer’s life was saved today because of it.”

The Fostoria Police Department continues to investigate the incident, with further updates to be provided as the case develops.

Contact:
Gabriel M. Wedge – Chief of Police
Fostoria Police Department
213 South Main Street, Fostoria, Ohio 44830-2322
Phone: (419) 435-8735