Unconscious Porterville boy, 2, had fentanyl in system, deputies say. Father arrested
A 2-year-old boy was recovering Tuesday after being exposed to fentanyl and falling unconscious, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies were called to a home on Chimney Road on the Tule River Indian Reservation about 2 p.m. Monday after the toddler was found unresponsive and not breathing, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
First responders began life-saving efforts at the scene and transported the 2-year-old to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, deputies said.
The child’s father told deputies the boy was choking on chips that were in his mouth as he fell asleep, according to the news release.
Medical staffers at the hospital determined the boy had fentanyl in his system, and reported it to Tulare County Child Welfare Services, the sheriff’s office said.
The Porterville father later admitted to having fentanyl on him, and deputies said they arrested him. Tulare County Jail records show he was arrested on suspicion of felony child endangerment and misdemeanor drug possession.
The boy was described Tuesday as being in stable condition and was expected to recover, the news release said.
Anyone with additional information was asked by Tulare County deputies to call Detective Jeremy McMillan or Sgt. Merced Zamora at 559-733-6218.
Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling or texting 559-725-4194 or by email at tcso@tipnow.com.
