Johnstown police officer who overdosed is identified; had hammer laying next to him

"It appeared as if he was trying to hammer himself into the secure evidence room within the police department," Callihan said during an afternoon news conference.

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JOHNSTOWN – The Johnstown police officer who overdosed on Sept. 18 inside the Public Safety Building on Washington Street was identified Friday as William Slisz.

Cambria County District Attorney Kelly Callihan said Slisz "was found by another officer unconscious inside the roll call room in the Johnstown Police Department."

She said Slisz, who was on duty, was revived using Narcan and was taken to the hospital after he regained consciousness. Narcan is a drug used to reverse overdoses of heroin and other opioids.

Callihan that there was a hammer laying beside Slisz and a hole in the wall.

"It appeared as if he was trying to hammer himself into the secure evidence room within the police department," Callihan said during an afternoon news conference.

Callihan said Slisz, who was placed on paid leave, will face charges once the investigation is complete.

She didn't have a timetable for the length of the investigation.

Callihan said officials are looking into Slisz's conduct and the circumstances surrounding his overdose.

She said she also has ordered a full review of the evidence room at the police department.

Callihan said Johnstown police Chief Craig Foust, who was placed on paid leave Thursday night, was aware of prior issues regarding the evidence room.

"He knew about and had knowledge of a possible breach of security of the evidence room as far back as July," Callihan said. "The chief did not consult with me or did he in any way let me know that a problem was detected."

Callihan said she also is conducting a thorough review of cases in which Slisz was the prosecuting officer.