4-year-old boy dies after possible fentanyl exposure inside Brooklyn shelter
EAST FLATBUSH, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A 4-year-old died after possible exposure to fentanyl inside a family shelter in Brooklyn on Tuesday.
The child was rushed to Maimonides Medical Center around 8 a.m. after suffering a medical episode. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
The boy and his parents were living at the Women in Need shelter on Glenwood Road in the East Flatbush section.
Police returned to the shelter Tuesday evening after receiving information that the boy may have come in contact with fentanyl.
They recovered drug paraphernalia from the scene after police say the father admitted to having fentanyl in the apartment.
Preliminary toxicology and autopsy results indicate the child may have had a medical condition, possibly a viral infection.
The parents, who are Orthodox Jewish, are still being questioned and have not been charged.
Hatzalah medics administered Narcan to the unresponsive boy, but it was not effective.
Further testing should reveal the nature of the viral infection.
Representatives for the shelter released a statement saying they are devastated and, "we are working closely with the NYPD to support their ongoing investigation. We remain committed as ever to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all families that call a WIN shelter home."
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