A man is in a medically induced coma after Omaha Police say he ingested methamphetamine while being detained by officers.
Omaha Police say officers were called to 49th and S Street just before 3 a.m. Saturday to investigate a vehicle casing construction equipment.
Officer Stephen Garcia found a black Chevy Trailblazer parked on S street facing the wrong direction. Officer Mark Lang and Recruit Officer William Klees also arrived at the scene.
Officer Garcia turned on the cruiser emergency lights and spotlight onto the vehicle and saw a two people inside the SUV.
As Officer Garcia spoke with the driver, he saw a white substance visible on the driver’s right side lap that resembled methamphetamine and a dollar bill rolled up laying on the left side of his lap.
Officer Garcia asked the driver, 26-year-old Andrew Hiykel, to get out of the SUV so he could further investigate possible narcotics inside the car.
Officer Lang and Officer Klees ordered the passenger out of the vehicle. Both Hiykel and the passenger were handcuffed, searched and placed inside separate police cruisers while the officers investigated the narcotics inside the vehicle.
Officer Lang and Officer Klees searched the vehicle then went to the cruiser where Hiykel waited.
As officers opened thec ruiser door, they noticed small shards on Hiykel’s lap and a powdery substance scattered around that resembled methamphetamine. Officers said Hiykel was sweating, fidgeting and shaking.
Officers believed Hiykel had possibly ingested methamphetamine and radioed for a rescue squad. While waiting for the squad, officers did not locate any narcotics on the passenger and after a criminal check he was released.
Omaha Fire transported Hiykel to Bergan Mercy Hospital for medical treatment. Hiykel continued to show signs of distress but was alert and conscious until arriving at the hospital where he fell unconscious. Medical personnel provided emergency treatment.
Hiykel is currently in a medically induced coma, receiving treatment and in stable condition.
The officer’s police cruisers were equipped with cameras. Video footage from the cruiser Hiykel was placed in shows he was able to pull out a small baggie near his right ankle, place it in his mouth and begin chewing.
A field test showed the substance Hiykel was in possession of tested positive for methamphetamine The on-going incident is being investigated by the Officer Involved Investigative Team.