Crime & Safety
Sheriff Honors 2 For Lifesaving Efforts
When 17-year-old Isaiah Degroot ran over a couple in the Festival Foods parking lot this January, these two people helped save their lives.
MOUNT PLEASANT, WI — Authorities say quick thinking by a Racine County Sheriff's deputy and a good samaritan saved the lives of a couple that were struck by a stolen vehicle in January. This week, those two were honored by Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling in a ceremony.
According to a report from the Racine County Sheriff's office, Cheryl Coopman, 47, and Jeffrey Coopman, 53, had just finished shopping at Festival Foods, 5740 Washington Ave. one late Sunday morning in January. Authorities said the Coopmans walked across the parking lot toward their car just after 10:30 a.m., just as a stolen Toyota Sequoia driven by 17-year-old Isaiah Degroot sped toward the Union Grove couple, and did not stop, and ran the couple over.
Schmaling said that Racine County Deputy Karen Hernandez took immediate action and provided life-saving medical treatment prior to the arrival of rescue. A concerned citizen, Christopher Dustman, also provided medical assistance at the scene. Both Hernandez and Dustman’s actions were instrumental in saving the lives of both victims of this tragic incident, sheriff's officials said.
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According to media reports, Hernandez applied a tourniquet to one of the victims, and Dustman lent his belt to stop the bleeding. Another bystander produced a bungee cord during urgent moments after the crash.
Sheriff's officials say Mount Pleasant police caught up with Degroot on Emmertsen road. His vehicle collided with the Coopman's, struck a light pole, and Degroot took off running before he was caught.
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During a press conference Monday, Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said the Coopmans suffered serious injuries, and were transported via Flight for Life to Froedtert Hospital where they are currently in stable condition.
According to online court records, Degroot was out on bail after he was charged with two counts of recklessly endangering safety, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon, among other charges.
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