NC resort offers reward for information on recent overdoses
POLK COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said that deputies are investigating after multiple people overdosed at the Tryon International Equestrian Center on Friday.
On Tuesday, Tryon Equestrian Partners, owners of Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort, announced that they’re adding to the reward being offered by the Sheriff’s Office. According to the Sheriff’s Office, this reward is available to anyone who gives information leading to the arrest of the suspects responsible.
The total reward for information now stands at $7,500.
Sharon Decker, Tryon Equestrian Partners’ Carolina President, released the following statement on the incident.
“Our owners and the entire leadership team at Tryon Resort are committed to working with and supporting our local Sheriff’s Department and other Governmental agencies. The events of last week are very concerning to us, and we will do everything in our power to seek an end to the travesty that is impacting so many people in our community. We have confidence in the Polk County Sheriff and his team, and are appreciative of their swift action and collaboration with Federal and State agencies to keep our community safe.
We are thankful that these incidents were responded to immediately by our on-site Emergency Services team, and fast transport and support was provided by Polk County EMS. As a result, lives were able to be saved.
In addition to increasing the reward available, we are doubling down on our own internal initiatives to ensure a safe workplace. We already require pre-hiring drug screens for both full and part-time employees, and are now instituting random drug testing for all individuals employed by Tryon Resort.
“We have a strong commitment to creating a safe, drug free location for all. We have zero tolerance for substance abuse and we will continue to work diligently with local authorities to address this issue directly and aggressively.”
The resort also plans to create a “hotline” so employees can anonymously report any concerns or tips they may be uncomfortable reporting directly to management.
Deputies said a total of five people overdosed from narcotics on June 24, 2022. Thankfully, they confirmed that none of the overdoses were fatal.
According to deputies, all of the overdoses involved fentanyl. They added that one of the overdoses was linked to a fentanyl-laced lollipop.
Deputies said they believe all five overdoses were tied to the same drug dealer. However, no charges have been filed at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call (828) 722-5036. According to deputies, a cash reward is available to anyone who gives them information leading to arrests.
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