HARDIN COUNTY - While the 2013 Gathering of the Juggalos doesn't officially start until late Wednesday morning, law enforcement and emergency responders have seen plenty of activity.

An EMT was injured when responding to a call of a man suffering convulsions early Tuesday, a Hardin County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman said.

The man, who was suspected of overdosing on a controlled substance, attacked the EMT, who was treated and released from the hospital but will need a follow-up surgery, the spokeswoman said.

The suspect, whose name was not released, is charged with aggravated battery. Other charges are pending.

One other person has been arrested and charged with theft, she said.

Ambulances have responded to three other suspected ODs, she said.

The drug of choice this year seems to be 25I-NBOMe, aka 25i or N-Bomb, a designer drug that can cause hallucinations, she said.

"This is one we weren't familiar with, that is new to our area. Most have required medical attention and a couple were transferred to trauma centers," she said. "This is a very mean drug."

The Gathering, expected to draw 10,000 people, continues through Sunday near Cave-in-Rock.

 

Source- thesouthern.com