Deputy stuck with heroin needle while investigating traffic stop

MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee County Sheriff's deputy was struck with a heroin needle while responding to a three-vehicle crash on westbound I-94 east of Mitchell Boulevard Wednesday, July 11th, just before 3:30 p.m.

Sheriff's officials say 51-year-old Paul Ditter of New Berlin walked across the freeway, despite instructions to stay in his vehicle. Officials say a deputy had to stop traffic and place Ditter in protective custody.

Officials say Ditter denied having any drug paraphernalia, but during a search, the deputy was stuck with a needle that Ditter admitted was used for heroin.

Ditter has two pending OWI cases from May 8th and May 31st of 2012. If convicted on those cases, this will be Ditter's third OWI.

From Wednesday's incident, Ditter also faces charges including Resisting/Obstructing causing injury to an officer, OWI causing injury and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Ditter faces six years and 10 months in prison if convicted.

The deputy is undergoing testing and treatment as a result of the needle stick.