Pensacola Police Cover Fentanyl Trend, Fatality, Racial Profiling Response and More

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Pensacola Police Department spokesman Mike Wood joined Pensacola Morning News Thursday with several updates — including encouraging news on fentanyl deaths, a traffic fatality investigation, and a direct response to a racial profiling report making headlines statewide.

Fentanyl Deaths Declining

Wood says overdose deaths from fentanyl are down significantly — both nationally and locally — and calls it a win worth celebrating even if the reasons aren't fully understood yet. He says there was a time not long ago when it was hard for a day to pass without a fentanyl-related death being reported in a vehicle somewhere in Pensacola or Escambia County. Wood says word may be spreading among drug users about the dangers of buying street fentanyl of unknown composition — and that wider use of fentanyl test strips and programs like CORE may also be contributing factors.

Creighton Avenue Fatality

A 22-year-old man died Friday night following a single vehicle rollover crash on Creighton Road near Walmart. Wood says speed may have been a factor based on damage to the vehicle but the investigation is ongoing. He noted that Pensacola has seen too many traffic fatalities this year and says Mayor Reeves and Chief Winstrom are actively working to address the problem.

Racial Profiling Report

Wood addressed a USA Today Florida Network report about disproportionate search rates of Black drivers during Florida Highway Patrol traffic stops — clarifying that the data applies to FHP, not PPD. He says Pensacola Police have voluntarily tracked detailed traffic stop data for years — recording the reason for each stop, driver demographics, and outcomes — and says any pattern of bias would stand out quickly and be addressed.

Other Items

A juvenile was caught by K-9 Officer Jones following vehicle burglaries on Escalona Drive — two suspects remain outstanding. The old Baptist Hospital continues to attract would-be trespassers — Wood says PPD is eight for eight catching people who try to break in and warns juveniles to stay out.