In a shocking incident at the Smyrna Police Department in Georgia this week, two officers were hospitalized after being exposed to a potentially poisonous substance concealed in paperwork. Little Gaston Stone, 51, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault following the event.
Stone entered the police department headquarters just after 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, recording his interaction on a tablet while voicing complaints about Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R). He presented papers to the officers, which led to physical distress in a matter of less than five minutes.
Symptoms reported included “extreme fatigue, chest pain, chest tightness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing,” pointing to a potential respiratory poisoning, according to Dr. Cecil Bennett, a medical expert consulted by local news outlet 11Alive.
Two cops hospitalized after being 'POISONED by substance in paperwork' https://t.co/GLI3ZjpHiw via @MailOnline
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) February 9, 2024
Stone’s actions have drawn considerable attention due to his criminal history, which includes a recent probation for terroristic threats. His record of threatening behavior and previous charges of aggravated assault suggest a pattern of antagonism toward authority and public institutions. The seriousness of this latest act, targeting officers within a police department, signifies a bold and reckless disregard for law enforcement’s role in maintaining public safety.
The Smyrna Police Department and federal authorities are diligently working to ascertain the nature of the substance involved. The health of the affected officers, who were rushed to the hospital following the exposure, remains a primary concern. Their recovery is being closely monitored, reflecting the community’s support for its protectors in the face of such unprovoked attacks.
This incident comes at a time when the safety of police officers is of paramount concern. The use of a potentially poisonous substance to harm law enforcement personnel is a grave act that underscores the challenges faced by those who serve to protect. It is a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance and the importance of supporting our law enforcement agencies against threats to their safety and well-being.
As the Smyrna Police Department and the FBI work to unravel the specifics of this case, the broader community is reminded of the daily sacrifices made by law enforcement officers. Their commitment to public service, often in the face of danger, deserves our utmost respect and support.
