Two arrested and deputy hospitalized for fentanyl exposure as result of traffic stop

Levy County Sheriff's Office (LCSO)

Levy County, Florida - Two people were arrested and a Levy County Sheriff's Office deputy was hospitalized as the result of a traffic stop that was conducted in Levy County on August 12, 2025.

According to a press release, patrol deputies spotted a vehicle on an unspecified area of U.S. Alternate Highway 27 in Levy County. The vehicle was being driven by 39 year-old Ashley Parkhouse of Bronson, Florida, who is known to have driver's license issues. The vehicle she was driving had a broken windshield, and the tag had been spray-painted, which had partially obscured the tag numbers. The deputy learned that the tag was registered to Parkhouse, and her license was currently suspended. A traffic stop was conducted, and Parkhouse was arrested, charged with driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license, a repeat offense ($2,500 bond).

Ms. Parkhouse's passenger was 42 year-old Gregory Connel Provett of Williston, Florida.

The press release stated that the deputy noticed that Parkhouse and Provett both appeared to be extremely nervous, and their behaviors made the deputy suspicious that they were attempting to conceal a crime.

Deputy Alton Horne and his K-9 (canine) partner Behr arrived at the traffic stop location to assist the patrol deputy. K-9 Behr alerted to the the odor of narcotics within the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed an empty baggie in the passenger door that contained a white powder residue that was tested and yielded a positive result for fentanyl.

Deputies also found a full fountain drink cup in the center console with the lid askew. The liquid in the cup also yielded a positive test result for fentanyl.

Provett was charged with trafficking in 4 grams or more but less 30 kg of a controlled substance, possession of drug equipment, and tampering with physical evidence ($155,000 bond).

During Provett's arrest, a third deputy assisting in the investigation was exposed to fentanyl and began experiencing unspecified symptoms of drug overdose. This deputy was transported to a hospital for treatment and later released.

The press release stated that deputies believe that the fentanyl became airborne inside the vehicle and evidence supports that Provett attempted to destroy the drug by dissolving it into the drink cup.

Parkhouse was booked into the Levy County Detention Facility at 3:47 p.m., while Provett was booked into the facility the following morning at 2:27 a.m.

"Tiny particulates of this most powerful drug can enter a person’s system by inhalation or skin contact," said LCSO Lieutenant Scott Tummond. "The drug is fast acting and can lead to a deadly overdose with only a small amount. Research suggests as little as 2mg,; or the equivalent to 7 grains of table salt, can cause an overdose.
We are extremely thankful our deputy was released; is expected to make a full recovery and return to duty soon. The dangers our deputies face on a daily basis are not always easily seen. In this case, no gun was pointed, no threats of violence were spoken,; and no suspect resisted arrest. This weapon was unseen, had no smell, and didn’t immediately speak a threat, yet lives were in danger. This was a 'simple' traffic stop where someone was driving with a suspended license. Simple is not always simple."