A motorist filling up at a Stapleton gas station was punctured by a hypodermic needle that had been left on a gas pump handle, and Loxley police say they are investigating the incident.
According to the Loxley Police Department, the driver was stuck in the hand or finger area while gripping the pump handle, an encounter that turned a routine fuel stop into a potential health scare. Needle-stick injuries carry a risk of exposure to bloodborne illnesses, and medical guidance typically calls for prompt washing of the wound and an evaluation for post-exposure treatment.
Investigation Underway
Police have not said whether they believe the needle was left on the pump deliberately or accidentally, and no arrests had been reported in connection with the case. Investigators are working to determine how the needle came to be on the handle and whether anyone placed it there intentionally.
The incident serves as a reminder for drivers to give pump handles and other high-touch surfaces a quick visual check before grabbing them. Anyone who experiences a similar injury should seek medical attention promptly and report it to law enforcement.