Video: Pleasant Prairie Police Officers Save Life Of Man Overdosing On Fentanyl

Copied!
Pleasant Prairie Police Officers Austin Kopera (Left) and Zach Burnside (Right)

On Tuesday March 22, 2022 at about 8:41pm, three Pleasant Prairie Police Officers were dispatched to a vehicle that was running and occupied in the middle of an intersection. The man inside was unconscious, and later learned to be experiencing a fentanyl overdose. The vehicle was still in neutral. Officer Kopera is a field training officer and was training officer Josh Girdaukas. Officer Burnside also arrived to assist.

Paid Advertisement

Seeing the car was in neutral, Officer Kopera ordered Girdaukas to place his squad in front of the man’s car, so it didn’t role into traffic. The man would not wake up to knocks, shouts, and even rocking the car. Officer Burnside then used his baton to smash the front passenger window to make entry. He then ran to his squad to grab his Narcan. Narcan is a drug that can successfully reverse the effects of opioods, like fentanyl. Burnside administered the Narcan and the officers removed the man from his vehicle. Several seconds later the man awoke, not knowing what happened or where he was at. He was combative at first, but then turned cooperative and apologized to officers saying that he was embarrassed. The police officers seemed to work in unison, with one checking the man for weapons and ID, and another moving the man into the “recovery position.” The ambulance arrived within a minute or two after he was awoken by the officer’s quick actions and training. The officers were seemingly sympathetic to the man with the increase in opioid abuse and addiction, and didn’t treat the man like a criminal, instead offering kind words of encouragement.

Paid Advertisement
Pleasant Prairie Police Dave Smetana


“In the end, I am extremely proud of these officers, how calm and professional they remained throughout the incident and how they lived up to our mission statement of providing Professional, Competent and Compassionate Service.” said Pleasant Prairie Police Chief Dave Smetana. “All sworn personnel on PPPD have been trained in the use of Narcan and we have been for about 4 years. We have partnered with the Kenosha County Health Department who provides us with the training and the Narcan product.”

Paid Advertisement

Smetana hasn’t seen a large spike recently in Pleasant Prairie but in neighboring Kenosha, overdose deaths are on the rise. “Unfortunately, even a very small amount can be deadly and the user has no idea of what is in the product they are ingesting.” said Smetana.

Paid Advertisement

The man who was saved by Officers is former Kenosha County politician Joseph Cardinali. We wrote a story yesterday about the consequences of this incident. He was charged with OWI and a felony for possession of Fentanyl.

Paid Advertisement

***The below video is graphic and KCE made the tough choice to publish it. It should serve as a reminder that heroin, fentanyl and all other hard drugs can result in death. Cardinali was lucky that the passerby called 9-1-1 and the officers acted quickly, according to training, and with professionalism. Many cases like this end with tragedy. Cardinali needs prayers for healing and recovery***

Paid Advertisement

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

Steil Secures $700K Federal Grant for Pike River Restoration in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County will receive $700,000 in federal funding to support water quality improvements and habitat restoration along the Pike River, Congressman Bryan Steil announced Friday. The money, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will go to the Kenosha County Division of Parks. The grant is intended to help restore more than 3,200 feet of streambank and

Plus +

Teen Charged in High-Speed Chase That Endangered Multiple Children

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha teenager is facing six felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods with three juveniles in the vehicle, including two minors who had reportedly stolen a relative’s car. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

MORE TOP STORIES

Somers Man Accused of Assaulting Elderly Housemate, Obstructing Arrest

SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Somers man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly housemate and refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s deputies during a chaotic arrest at a deteriorating home in the Town of Somers. Nick W. Picazo was formally charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with

Plus +

Underwear-Clad Intruder Charged After Breaking Into Porch, Banging on Door

Phillipp Schiavi, 58, of Kenosha KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after allegedly running through a neighborhood in his underwear and trying to force his way into a stranger’s home while screaming profanities. You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Plus +

Trio Charged in Kenosha Wallet Theft and Gift Card Scheme

Keir Saunders, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Three suspects are facing felony charges after a Kenosha grocery store manager’s stolen wallet was used to buy over $1,200 in gift cards at Walmart last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Categories
Archives
Authors

5 Responses

  1. Wow! Literally in the middle of the intersection. He should be singing praises to them police officers. The same ones he said to defund. Where’s all his political buddies to seek “justice”

    1. He won’t. He will be back to bashing cops and republicans in no time. What he did was reckless and could of got someone seriously injured at that intersection.

  2. Kudos to the pleasant prairie PD. Nice job, thinking when precious moments are waining. Both officers show selfless immediate action. atta boy to both, I’m sure the chief is proud as can be.

    Keep up the good police work….

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS

Steil Secures $700K Federal Grant for Pike River Restoration in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County will receive $700,000 in federal funding to support water quality improvements and habitat restoration along the Pike River, Congressman Bryan Steil announced Friday. The money, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will go to the Kenosha County Division of Parks. The grant is intended to help restore more than 3,200 feet of streambank and

Plus +

Teen Charged in High-Speed Chase That Endangered Multiple Children

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha teenager is facing six felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods with three juveniles in the vehicle, including two minors who had reportedly stolen a relative’s car. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

$17,500 Bail Set for Kenosha Man Caught with Fentanyl, MDMA, and Marijuana, Police Say

Elijah B. Echols, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 27-year-old Kenosha man with a violent criminal history is facing three new felony drug charges after police say they caught him with more than 30 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and MDMA, along with a stash of marijuana hidden in his body. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Somers Man Accused of Assaulting Elderly Housemate, Obstructing Arrest

SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Somers man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly housemate and refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s deputies during a chaotic arrest at a deteriorating home in the Town of Somers. Nick W. Picazo was formally charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony physical abuse of an elder person—intentionally causing bodily harm. He also faces

Plus +

Underwear-Clad Intruder Charged After Breaking Into Porch, Banging on Door

Phillipp Schiavi, 58, of Kenosha KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after allegedly running through a neighborhood in his underwear and trying to force his way into a stranger’s home while screaming profanities. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Trio Charged in Kenosha Wallet Theft and Gift Card Scheme

Keir Saunders, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Three suspects are facing felony charges after a Kenosha grocery store manager’s stolen wallet was used to buy over $1,200 in gift cards at Walmart last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Salem Lakes Board Sparks Outrage After Voting to Let Convicted Predator Live Near Park, Boy Scout Camp

Child Predator Joshuah C. Koboldt, 40, of Salem Lakes (9416 276th Avenue)(Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — The Salem Lakes Village Board ignited a firestorm this week after narrowly approving a convicted child predator’s request to live just steps away from a children’s park and Camp Wonderland, a well-known Boy Scout campground. You must be logged in to view the rest

Extreme Heat Warning: Kenosha County Reminds Residents of Available Cooling Centers

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – With extreme heat warnings in effect this week, Kenosha County officials are urging residents to take precautions and make use of designated cooling centers throughout the area. Cooling centers are available at various municipal buildings, libraries, and community organizations across the county. These locations offer air-conditioned relief and are open to the public during the hours listed below: .

Plus +

Strangulation, Threats, and False Imprisonment: Kenosha Man Faces 10 Charges

Arturo L. Martinez III, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing ten criminal charges—including felony strangulation, false imprisonment, and threats to injure—after a woman reported months of domestic violence that allegedly occurred in front of their young children. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged in Drive-By Shooting at Family Party

Damien C. Wess, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges after allegedly driving a getaway vehicle from a shooting that took place at a family gathering. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Paddock Lake Man Accused of Strangling Neighbor Over Property Dispute

PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. — A 54-year-old Paddock Lake man has been charged with felony strangulation and elder abuse after allegedly attacking his 66-year-old neighbor during a property line dispute on June 15 in the Village of Paddock Lake. Richard K. Ruck faces three charges: physical abuse of an elder person, strangulation and suffocation, and disorderly conduct. The criminal complaint, filed June 17 in

Free German-Style Pop-Up Biergarten Returns to Kenosha’s Lakefront July 17–19

KENOSHA, Wis. — A popular summer tradition is returning to HarborPark as the Hofbräu Pop-up Biergarten sets up along the lakefront from July 17 through July 19. The event is free to attend and promises three days of festive, family-friendly fun in the spirit of a traditional German Biergarten. Held at Celebration Place, 5501 Ring Road, the biergarten will serve authentic Hofbräuhaus beer

Plus +

Kenosha Riot Participant Denied Early Release by Judge

Kelly Ziminski, 34(Kenosha County Sheriff and Wisconsin DOC) KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the rioters present the night Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people in Kenosha has been denied early release from prison. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Sues County After Sheriff’s Squad Crashes Through Funeral Procession

Kenosha Sheriff’s Squad(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is suing Kenosha County after a sheriff’s squad allegedly ran a red light and drove through a funeral procession, crashing into her vehicle and causing serious injuries. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Restraining Order Violator Allegedly Threatened to “Make Body Disappear,” Witness Says

SALEM, Wis. — Michael A. Daniels, a failed farmer with a long trail of legal troubles, was in court Tuesday after allegedly violating a temporary restraining order just hours after being served. Kenosha County Court Commissioner William Michel set bail at $500 cash. Daniels, 48, of Salem, is charged with violating a temporary restraining order issued May 19. If convicted, he faces up

Kenosha Bartender Accused of Scissors Attack On Sister

KENOSHA, Wis. — In the early hours of June 2, 2025, a 33-year-old Kenosha bartender, Justine E. Bloxdorf, was arrested after allegedly attacking her sister with a pair of scissors following a reported dispute involving drugs. According to police sources, a 9-1-1 call was made around 2:22 a.m., shortly after Bloxdorf finished her shift at a downtown tavern. Responding Kenosha officers recommended criminal

Fourth OWI Defendant Wanted After Failing to Appear in Court

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Burlington man is now the subject of an active arrest warrant after failing to appear in court Wednesday on felony charges related to an alleged fourth drunk driving offense earlier this month. Matthew J. Mortensen, 47, was summoned to appear at 1 p.m. in Kenosha County Circuit Court for an initial appearance in case 2025CF000855. When he failed

Plus +

Man Accused of Pointing Gun at Neighbor During Lakefront Dispute

Thomas L. Carlson Jr., 50, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 50-year-old Burlington man is facing criminal charges after allegedly pulling a gun on his neighbor during a late-night confrontation at Lily Lake, escalating what authorities described as an ongoing feud between the two men. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Held Woman Hostage at Knife Point for Seven Hours, Prosecutors Say

Glen D. Pipkin Jr., 40, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, for Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing serious felony charges and is being held on a high cash bail after police say he brutally attacked and held a woman hostage inside their shared home for over seven hours, using a knife to threaten, injure, and

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused of Stealing SUV, Resisting Arrest While Out on Bond for Two Other Cases

Crystal S. Wakefield, 31, of Kenosha of Kenosha In Court Today(Photo by Nathan DeBruin for Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 31-year-old Kenosha woman is facing six new criminal charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle and resisting arrest while already out on bond in two separate cases. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

LATEST NEWS

Steil Secures $700K Federal Grant for Pike River Restoration in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County will receive $700,000 in federal funding to support water quality improvements and habitat restoration along the Pike River, Congressman Bryan Steil announced Friday. The money, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will go to the Kenosha County Division of Parks. The grant is intended to help restore more than 3,200 feet of streambank and

Plus +

Teen Charged in High-Speed Chase That Endangered Multiple Children

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha teenager is facing six felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods with three juveniles in the vehicle, including two minors who had reportedly stolen a relative’s car. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

$17,500 Bail Set for Kenosha Man Caught with Fentanyl, MDMA, and Marijuana, Police Say

Elijah B. Echols, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 27-year-old Kenosha man with a violent criminal history is facing three new felony drug charges after police say they caught him with more than 30 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and MDMA, along with a stash of marijuana hidden in his body. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Somers Man Accused of Assaulting Elderly Housemate, Obstructing Arrest

SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Somers man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly housemate and refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s deputies during a chaotic arrest at a deteriorating home in the Town of Somers. Nick W. Picazo was formally charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony physical abuse of an elder person—intentionally causing bodily harm. He also faces

Plus +

Underwear-Clad Intruder Charged After Breaking Into Porch, Banging on Door

Phillipp Schiavi, 58, of Kenosha KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after allegedly running through a neighborhood in his underwear and trying to force his way into a stranger’s home while screaming profanities. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Trio Charged in Kenosha Wallet Theft and Gift Card Scheme

Keir Saunders, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Three suspects are facing felony charges after a Kenosha grocery store manager’s stolen wallet was used to buy over $1,200 in gift cards at Walmart last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Salem Lakes Board Sparks Outrage After Voting to Let Convicted Predator Live Near Park, Boy Scout Camp

Child Predator Joshuah C. Koboldt, 40, of Salem Lakes (9416 276th Avenue)(Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — The Salem Lakes Village Board ignited a firestorm this week after narrowly approving a convicted child predator’s request to live just steps away from a children’s park and Camp Wonderland, a well-known Boy Scout campground. You must be logged in to view the rest

Extreme Heat Warning: Kenosha County Reminds Residents of Available Cooling Centers

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – With extreme heat warnings in effect this week, Kenosha County officials are urging residents to take precautions and make use of designated cooling centers throughout the area. Cooling centers are available at various municipal buildings, libraries, and community organizations across the county. These locations offer air-conditioned relief and are open to the public during the hours listed below: .

Plus +

Strangulation, Threats, and False Imprisonment: Kenosha Man Faces 10 Charges

Arturo L. Martinez III, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing ten criminal charges—including felony strangulation, false imprisonment, and threats to injure—after a woman reported months of domestic violence that allegedly occurred in front of their young children. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged in Drive-By Shooting at Family Party

Damien C. Wess, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges after allegedly driving a getaway vehicle from a shooting that took place at a family gathering. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Paddock Lake Man Accused of Strangling Neighbor Over Property Dispute

PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. — A 54-year-old Paddock Lake man has been charged with felony strangulation and elder abuse after allegedly attacking his 66-year-old neighbor during a property line dispute on June 15 in the Village of Paddock Lake. Richard K. Ruck faces three charges: physical abuse of an elder person, strangulation and suffocation, and disorderly conduct. The criminal complaint, filed June 17 in

Free German-Style Pop-Up Biergarten Returns to Kenosha’s Lakefront July 17–19

KENOSHA, Wis. — A popular summer tradition is returning to HarborPark as the Hofbräu Pop-up Biergarten sets up along the lakefront from July 17 through July 19. The event is free to attend and promises three days of festive, family-friendly fun in the spirit of a traditional German Biergarten. Held at Celebration Place, 5501 Ring Road, the biergarten will serve authentic Hofbräuhaus beer

Plus +

Kenosha Riot Participant Denied Early Release by Judge

Kelly Ziminski, 34(Kenosha County Sheriff and Wisconsin DOC) KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the rioters present the night Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people in Kenosha has been denied early release from prison. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Sues County After Sheriff’s Squad Crashes Through Funeral Procession

Kenosha Sheriff’s Squad(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is suing Kenosha County after a sheriff’s squad allegedly ran a red light and drove through a funeral procession, crashing into her vehicle and causing serious injuries. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.