The parents of a 4-year-old boy who overdosed on fentanyl on his birthday have been arrested in Ohio, authorities said.
A 4-year-old boy was apparently taking a nap in the bedroom of his father's home in Gold Manor, Ohio. However, the boy was found lifeless on November 25th. Fox19 Nowthe young child was suffering from “agonized breathing.”
WebMD defines agony breathing as: “Agonized breathing is when a person gasps for air when they are not getting enough oxygen. This is usually caused by cardiac arrest or stroke. This is not real breathing. This is is a natural reflex that occurs when the brain isn't getting enough oxygen, the oxygen it needs to survive. Labored breathing indicates that a person is nearing death. ”
The boy was rushed to Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Doctors determined the 4-year-old had overdosed on fentanyl and was the victim of child abuse, according to court documents.
The boy's mother, 34-year-old Alexis Scarborough, was at his father's house to celebrate the child's birthday on the day he allegedly overdosed.
Scarborough was reportedly arrested on Monday.
The child's father, 39-year-old Denard Bishop, remained at large until he was taken into police custody on Thursday.
Scarborough was charged with child endangerment.
Bishop also faces criminal charges for child endangerment. His father “neglected his duty of care and safety” to the boy, according to court documents.
Scarborough pleaded not guilty to child endangerment charges during a hearing Wednesday.
The judge rejected the mother's attorney's request to release her on her own recognizance so she could return to her job as a hotel room attendant.
Scarborough's bond was set at $10,000. The judge ordered her to have no contact with her children unless approved by her children's services.
Scarborough's children are currently in the custody of Hamilton County Job and Family Services, according to her attorney.
Bishop made his first court appearance on Friday.
The boy is expected to recover from his fentanyl overdose.
“Luckily, hopefully, this kid will be okay.” Said Representative Tom Cynan, Co-Chairman of the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition.
“Fortunately, they received medical attention,” Cynan said. In some cases, it can be reversed.
“And hopefully there will be no further repercussions and that the child and everyone involved will learn from this incident, take precautions and get the support and resources they need to avoid using drugs again.” added Cynan.
by Ohio Department of Health, the number of unintentional drug overdose deaths in the state in 2022 was 4,915, a 5% decrease from 2021. Of all drug overdose deaths, 81% involved fentanyl.
“While last year's numbers were trending in the right direction, they are not something to celebrate,” said Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff. “Sadly, thousands of Ohioans still die from substance use disorders. “I encourage the people of Ohio to do all they can.” From learning how to use naloxone to knowing where to get help for you or a loved one in need, these deaths can be prevented. ”
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Mother arrested after taking fentanyl on 4-year-old's birthday: court documentswww.youtube.com
