Police Use Narcan to Save Driver in Farmington Hills

A Routine Traffic Check Turns Urgent

On a calm Sunday morning in Farmington Hills, Michigan, what seemed like an ordinary traffic stop turned into a race against time. A car sat motionless on the road at the intersection of 13 Mile and Middle Belt Road, music blaring, engine running. Inside was an unconscious man behind the wheel.

Officers Act Swiftly as Situation Escalates

Farmington Hills Police officers responded quickly. Bodycam footage shows the initial attempts to wake the man, knocking on windows and shouting. “Eventually, officers made the decision to make entry into the vehicle and open the door,” explained Capt. Domenic Lauria of the Farmington Hills Police Department.

When sternum rubs failed to revive the driver, officers suspected a drug overdose.

Narcan Administered Just in Time

An officer ran to retrieve a Narcan kit from the patrol vehicle. Moments later, he administered the life-saving dose of Naloxone, and within seconds, the driver began to regain consciousness. “What’s up, man? He’s coming to,” the officer is heard saying.

Capt. Lauria confirmed, “Our officers are all trained on the symptoms of drug overdose, and they believe that was the case.”

Part of a Larger Public Health Effort

This incident reflects a broader trend in Michigan, where first responders have become frontline agents in addressing the opioid epidemic. In fact, from 2023 to 2024, overdose deaths in the state dropped nearly 34%, a reduction largely attributed to expanded Narcan access through federal and state programs that distributed over 1 million naloxone kits statewide.

Further reinforcing this shift, Michigan passed a workplace naloxone law in January 2025, ensuring that state-run workplaces now have both naloxone kits and trained personnel on-site.

Lauria noted that Farmington Hills officers administer Narcan more than 20 times per year, underscoring its essential role in day-to-day public safety work. 

“It’s truly a lifesaving medication that is a benefit to people suffering from addiction and people who potentially overdose on prescription medication,” Lauria said.

A Reminder to Make Safe Choices

While the driver was later arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances, the outcome could have been far worse. Police emphasized that the case is not only a call to awareness but also a plea for responsibility.

“Use some sort of taxi service, Uber, have a friend, have a designated driver,” Lauria said. “We want to make sure everyone makes it home safe.”.

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At We Love Police, we honor the officers who embody courage, skill, and compassion. If you are interested in reading more stories like this, visit our Life Saving Actions section. You can also explore our Chaplain Services to see how we support the emotional and spiritual well-being of officers nationwide.

References

• Story and Video/Image Source: Police video shows officer save passed out driver with Narcan in Farmington Hills | FOX 2 Detroit (by Taneisha Cordell and David Komer) via police bodycam footage and interview with Capt. Domenic Lauria.

FAQs

1. What is Narcan and how does it work?

Narcan (Naloxone) is a medication that quickly reverses opioid overdoses by restoring normal breathing in individuals who have stopped or slowed their breathing.

2. Do police officers in Michigan carry Naloxone?

Yes. Many departments, including the Farmington Hills Police Department, train and equip officers with Naloxone to respond to overdose emergencies.

3. Is Naloxone available to the public in Michigan?

Yes. Naloxone is available for free or at low cost across Metro Detroit and other regions in Michigan to help combat the opioid crisis.

4. What should I do if I see someone unconscious behind the wheel?

Call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move the person. Emergency responders can assess the situation and provide life-saving aid like Naloxone if necessary.