THE THIN BLUE LINE
DATELINE: CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. – The death of a Pennsylvania police officer by a drug overdose is under investigation. West Hills Police Sergeant Michael Beblar, 40, died on June 13 from cardiac arrest as a result of an overdose. Officials said a toxicology report found fentanyl, hydrocodone and xylazine in his body.
Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees said his death was a result of him stealing and ingesting illegal drugs from a department evidence locker. According to District Attorney Greg Neugebaur, investigators found drugs that were evidence from current and past cases in Beblar’s personal items.
Neugebauer said nine active cases are missing evidence or were tampered with. Pennsylvania State Police are now investigating the police department’s evidence-holding protocol.
