MARION COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A Florida deputy faced a potentially fatal exposure when a suspect blew fentanyl directly into his face in an alleged bid to destroy evidence during his arrest.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced on Wednesday that Fugitive Apprehension Deputy Qubaisy was searching for Jesse James McAuliffe due to an active violation of probation warrant.

The search led deputies to a Publix parking lot on SW 62nd Ave Rd, where they located McAuliffe’s vehicle and, with Deputy Guillard’s assistance, blocked it in to prevent his escape.

The Sheriff’s Office said that after several commands, McAuliffe emerged from his vehicle, and immediate signs of drug use were apparent, including a tourniquet tied around his arm and multiple syringes visibly scattered throughout his vehicle.

The situation escalated when Deputy Qubaisy reported finding a baggie containing a white substance, which McAuliffe attempted to pass off as sugar. However, tests confirmed it was fentanyl.

Additionally, deputies found a melted substance in a bottle cap that also tested positive for the deadly drug, officials said.

Bodycam footage shared by the Sheriff’s Office shows McAuliffe’s bid to destroy evidence. McAuliffe blew the fentanyl from the cap directly into Deputy Qubaisy’s face, exposing him to a potent and potentially lethal substance.

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A further search of the vehicle revealed a collection of both pre-filled and used syringes, which officials said all screened positive for fentanyl.

McAuliffe was arrested on his outstanding warrants and now faces several charges, including:

Possession of FentanylTampering with EvidencePossession of Drug Paraphernalia

He was taken to the Marion County Jail, where he is currently held without bond.

Fortunately, Deputy Qubaisy is reported to be in good condition following the encounter.