News

Actions

More used needles found in Boise Bench neighborhoods

Posted at 9:22 PM, Mar 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-14 00:10:43-04

Reports of used needles scattered around neighborhoods on the Boise Bench continue to pour in. Many people are taking to social media in an attempt to spread the word to neighbors and try to keep the dangerous materials out of the hands of children.

The most recent alarming discovery was made in a Boise Bench neighborhood near the Boise Airport, where Regina McKinnon says she discovered four syringes in the middle of the road as she turned on to her street.

"One of them was completely loaded with what looked like heroin and blood," McKinnon said. "I was disgusted, pissed, angry."

This isn't the first time this has happened in the area either. Two weeks ago 6 On Your Side reported about an 11-year-old girl who found a used needle that was discarded in her own driveway, and not knowing what it was, picked it up and brought it inside.

Just a week ago, Chad Morriss says he found two used syringes while he was doing yard work, lying in the gutter near his home.

"It just seems like it's becoming a problem or has been a problem," Morris said. "There's a lot of kids in the area so I just wanted to make sure they weren't out so I disposed of them myself."

Improper handling of used syringes can spread diseases such as Hepatitis A and C and HIV.

The Boise Police Department encourages people to contact non-emergency dispatch if they find used needles. Because they do have to prioritize calls for service, That can mean a longer wait time for non-emergency calls, but they say contacting police and allowing officers to safely dispose of needles or syringes is the safest solution.

You can report used needles by calling (208)377-6790.