FRANKLIN, N.J. (AP) - A former police officer who overdosed while on duty has been spared a prison term.
Matthew Ellery was ordered Friday to serve five years of probation as part of his admittance into a drug court program that could eventually lead to his criminal record being expunged. He also forfeited his job with the Franklin Township force, where he had served since January 2017.
The 29-year-old Middlesex resident had pleaded guilty to possessing heroin and driving while under the influence. He was found unresponsive in his patrol car on April 7 and was later revived by fellow officer who administered an overdose antidote
Authorities have said Ellery was working the overnight shift in the Somerset County community when he stopped responding to radio transmissions. An officer dispatched to locate him found Ellery’s patrol car in the driveway of a business.
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