First OD patient of 2016 pulled through after all…
CENTERVILLE – As you will hear in the following video, it was a life-threatening heroin overdose out in public which drew the urgent attention of bystanders and first responders earlier this evening. According to sources, it was also the first OD call of 2016 for Barnstable first responders.
At about 7:15PM, police and rescue rushed to the Bell Tower Mall for a stricken young man on the pavement beside a parked vehicle. Bystanders had already begun CPR while calling 911 for help. C.O.MM. Rescue arrived and took over… everyone engaged in a collective effort to save a young life.
According to sources, a “friend” of the overdose patient fled the scene just before police arrived, while a second friend did the right thing and stuck around to help.
The patient remained unresponsive as rescue workers were initially worried the Narcan wasn’t taking hold. The patient was quickly moved up into an ambulance where medics continued the battle to keep him alive.
It wasn’t until later in the evening that HN learned the patient did, in fact, survive after all.
The following video highlights the formidable sequence of events which ultimately amounted to another chance for a very fortunate heroin addict to remain just so much longer among the living. Will it be the catalyst for this young man’s recovery?
It’s difficult to say…
But the following is certain; heroin use leads to one of three possible outcomes, recovery, institutional confinement, or death.
[Press play… Select HD in settings and enlarge player for best quality…]
In other news:
(Actual BPD Press Statement – 12/31/15)
On December 31, 2015 at approximately1130am, Ptl. Blondin of the Barnstable Street Crime Unit was on patrol in Hyannis. At this time, Ptl. Blondin observed a black Jeep Grand Cherokee driving on Walton Ave. An RMV computer check of the vehicle’s registration revealed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee was uninspected. Ptl Blondin then conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Jeep. As Ptl. Blondin approached the car, he observed a series of furtive movements within the motor vehicle involving the male passenger and the female operator. When Ptl. Blondin began to have conversation with the operator, he observed the passenger reaching for a hammer sticking out of a backpack in the back seat of the Jeep Cherokee. Blondin then called for backup, and other patrol officers arrived to assist him with the motor vehicle stop.
Further investigation by Ptl. Blondin revealed that the passenger, 53 year old John Viust of New Bedford, was in possession of a small amount of cocaine. In addition, the female operator, 35 year old Amanda Ashley of West Yarmouth, was found to be in possession of approximately 14 grams of heroin that she had hidden in her pants. Upon further inspection of the vehicle, drug distribution material including a digital scale, and cutting agents were located and seized.
John Viust has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1991 when he was convicted in Barnstable Superior Court of Trafficking Cocaine, Possession of Heroin and illegal Possession of a Firearm. In addition, in 2008 Viust was convicted in Barnstable District Court of Possession of Cocaine and Suboxone with Intent to Distribute.
John Viust was subsequently charged with Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute- Subsequent Offense, and Possession of Cocaine – Subsequent Offense.
Amanda Ashley was charged with Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, open alcoholic container in a motor vehicle and failure to have her motor vehicle inspected.
Viust was held on $1,500 bail and Ashley was bailed on personal recognizance.
Viust and Ashley are scheduled to be arraigned in Barnstable District Court on Monday January 4.
1/1/2016
Robert Bastille,
P.S. – Today’s HyTown Vignette is brought to you by George Baker… [Press play]
