Frozen Rescue: Hero Cops Face Reckless DUI

Freezing,Winter,Temperatures:,Block,Of,Ice,Lying,On,The,Surface

Glendale Heights police officers risked their lives in 1°F icy waters to save three from a submerged car, only for the driver to face DUI charges.

Story Highlights

Officers Marco Lomibao and Dennis Stachura entered a freezing pond with ice blocks to rescue three victims 20-30 feet from shore.
The car plunged into 12-foot-deep water at 1:30 a.m. on December 14, 2025; all survived with minor injuries thanks to rapid response.
Body camera footage released December 17 captures the life-or-death drama; driver arrested for DUI.
Chief George Pappas praises officers’ selfless acts, boosting community trust in local law enforcement.

The Harrowing Crash and Immediate Response

On December 14, 2025, shortly after 1:30 a.m., a vehicle lost control near Burdette Avenue and Roberta Avenue in Glendale Heights, Illinois, and plunged into a partially frozen pond. Three occupants found themselves in freezing water 20-30 feet from shore, with the car submerged about 12 feet deep. Air temperature hovered at 1°F, surrounded by blocks of ice that heightened the hypothermia risk in this suburban Chicago residential area.

Officers’ Brave Entry into Icy Waters

Glendale Heights police officers arrived swiftly and spotted the victims struggling. Officers Marco Lomibao and Dennis Stachura entered the frigid pond without hesitation, pushing through ice blocks to keep the three afloat. Lomibao described it as “pure adrenaline… life or death,” noting victims’ hands waving while heads dipped under. Stachura recalled losing feeling in his body but relying on instinct. Their actions prevented a fatal outcome in seconds that mattered.

Watch:

Team Effort Secures Rescue and Arrest

Additional officers and Glenside Fire Protection District crews assisted in extracting all three victims, who sustained only minor injuries and received treatment. No rescuers were harmed despite the extreme conditions. The driver faced immediate arrest on DUI charges, underscoring personal responsibility in preventing such dangers. Police Chief George Pappas oversaw the operation and confirmed the charges, commending the seamless inter-agency cooperation.

Body camera footage, released publicly on December 17, 2025, and aired by ABC News that day, captures the raw intensity. NBC Chicago shared additional video on December 19, emphasizing the ice challenges. Officers’ firsthand accounts reveal visibility issues and physical toll, yet their duty prevailed.

WATCH: 3 rescued after car plunges into icy Illinois pond https://t.co/c8GywTPfYd

— KMET1490AM (@KMETRadio) December 18, 2025

Community Impact and Broader Lessons

This incident boosts trust in Glendale Heights police among residents, showcasing effective training and body cameras’ value in documenting heroism. The DUI arrest serves as a deterrent against impaired driving, common in Illinois winters with icy roads. Long-term, it may prompt reviews of pond safety barriers in the area. Socially, it reinforces appreciation for first responders who protect communities without fanfare.

In an era where law enforcement faces scrutiny, this rescue exemplifies the selfless service conservatives value—putting lives first against reckless choices that endanger others. It reminds us why strong local policing, free from overreach, keeps families safe.