A 17-year-old girl is alive after a Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputy revived her from an overdose.

Judy Jackson, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s department, says that just after 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sergeant Dean Johnson was on State Road 46 in front of Walmart when he heard units being dispatched to the parking lot in reference to a possible overdose. Upon entering the parking lot, Sgt. Johnson reported finding a running vehicle with its lights on. When he looked inside, Johnson saw the unconscious teen in the front seat. The girl had a pulse, but her breathing was reportedly shallow. Sgt. Johnson administered two doses of Narcan prior to EMS arrival. Jackson says that the girl was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital where her condition has not been released.

“We must create a strong foundation of communication with our children. Talk with them about drugs and alcohol and let them know the consequences for bad choices. Know where they go, who they are with and when they will be home. Monitor cellphones and Internet activity,” says Bartholomew County Sheriff Matthew A. Myers. The Sheriff continued, “The signs are there – a change in their behavior, personality or physical appearance and a change in friends.” Myers added that it is everyone’s job to keep youths safe.