Joliet Man Found Overdosing on I-55 Arrested for Heroin Possession: Prosecutor

Ryan Helis, 35 | Cook County Sheriff

A Joliet man found overdosing in his vehicle at the side of I-55 was charged with possession of a controlled substance, prosecutors said Monday in court.

According to the charges, Ryan Helis, 35, was sitting inside his running vehicle around 4:51 p.m. May 22 alongside the southbound lanes of I-55 near 87th Street. Illinois State Police noticed him gasping for air and turning people.

State troopers were able to give Helis Narcan, a prescription medicine that blocks the effects of opioids, the prosecutor said.

Helis was taken to Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital. Prosecutors said that state police found four small baggies of heroin on the car seat. Helis also allegedly had heroin residue in his nostril.

Illinois State Police said that Helis admitted to shooting heroin before troopers found him.

The assistant public defender questioned state statutes that prohibit persons who overdose from being arrested.

“What’s egregious is that he was found behind the wheel of a car that was running, not saying he was guilty,” Cook County Judge Peter Felice said. “He almost died and the police saved his life.”

Judge Felice offered to put Helis in a drug treatment program in jail

"You need help," he said.

The judge set bail at $30,000. He also ordered random drug testing should Helis bond out. Helis is due back in court June 15 in Bridgeview.