Deputies Save Life Of Man Overdosing In Lake County Jail Shower

WAUKEGAN, IL — Three correctional officers saved the life of an inmate overdosing in the shower after returning to the Lake County Jail from work release last week, authorities said. It was the first time jail staff have administered an opiate antidote in nearly three years.

Officers David Juarez and Daniel Pennington noticed the man on the floor while carrying out rounds Wednesday evening in the jail's Community Based Correctional Center, which houses inmates sentenced to periodic imprisonment, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The officers noticed the inmate, a 23-year-old resident of unincorporated Lake Villa, was barely breathing and figured he was probably overdosing on some type of drug, according to a sheriff's office spokesperson.

Juarez and Pennington called for Naloxone, an emergency treatment for an opioid overdose. Officer Mark Gaines brought it over and administered the dose to the man, who regained consciousness and was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

“It is always a top priority to treat those in our custody with dignity and respect," said Sheriff John Idleburg, in a statement. "The quick life-saving actions by Correctional Officers Juarez, Pennington, and Gaines perfectly highlight this philosophy and I am extremely proud of them for saving the life of an inmate.”

According to the sheriff's office, an investigation determined the inmate had taken opioids after work but just before returning to the jail. Upon his return, the man went into the shower, began suffering symptoms of an overdose, and fell to the floor.

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There are currently 19 people serving sentences of periodic imprisonment at the jail, which allows convicted inmates to leave for work, medical appointments and other qualifying events, according to Lt. Chris Covelli.

The last time a correctional officer administered Naloxone was in July 2018, Covelli said, when a person turning themselves in on a warrant at the jail collapsed in apparent overdose.

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