Unused Syringes Scattered throughout City of Fortuna

Fortuna, Ca., (KIEM) Capped, unused hypodermic syringes found littered in the city of Fortuna.

Over the last month, Fortuna Police say they recovered hundreds of syringes throughout the city streets.

Monday, Fortuna Police collected nearly 200 unused syringes found mostly in the commercial and residential areas.  

According to officials, the person or persons discarding the needles, maybe someone who does not support the Needle Exchange Program.

A program passed back in May of 2018 by the city of Eureka that allows people to bring their used needles for safe disposal and are provided with clean needles for their own use.

Officials say if you come across a syringe unused or not, do not handle them.

“It’s off and on, but it appears that somebody is driving down these streets and taking handfuls of syringes unused, brand new, cap syringes and maybe throwing them out their window while they’re driving by,” said Chief Dobberstein. “Typically a drug user is not going to throw a clean hypodermic syringe on the streets. It’ll be a dirty syringe probably uncapped. Those are the syringes where you’re going to pick up HIV or hepatitis if you touch it or you get poked.”

To help ensure public safety, Fortuna Police are asking residents to notify the department if you observe anyone littering hypodermic syringes.