Several kids sickened at YMCA summer camp in NJ by mushroom-laced edibles
EAST ORANGE, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in New Jersey are investigating after several children attending a YMCA summer camp in East Orange allegedly consumed suspected mushroom-laced edibles.
The incident happened Thursday at the YMCA summer camp on North Arlington Avenue.
Shortly after 11 a.m., police responded to reports that at least 13 children were not feeling well.
Video shows Cynthia Cunningham racing her 12-year-old child to the hospital while her 9-year-old sister was recording.
Cunningham says the 12-year-old was one of the 13 campers who were given drug-laced chocolate by another child at the East Orange YMCA Camp.
A short time later, one of the children who had consumed the suspected edible reported feeling ill. Twelve other campers later reported similar symptoms.
"I got there my daughter was destroyed very emotional she thought she was in trouble. We were in the car she would shift her body to one side," Cunningham said.
East Orange police and the YMCA counselor noticed a child handing out candy which says is against its policies.
They released a statement that explains in part, "Later when staff noticed campers having an adverse reaction to the substance, we immediately enacted our emergency protocols, contacting emergency services, parents and the police.
"This incident is deeply concerning, particularly because it involves the safety and well-being of children," said East Orange Police Chief Phyllis L. Bindi. "The East Orange Police Department takes incidents involving suspected controlled substances extremely seriously. Our detectives are conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what occurred, how these suspected edibles came into the possession of a juvenile, and whether any criminal offenses were committed. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the safety of our youth and to hold anyone responsible accountable under the law."
"When I arrived, there were 13 children, they looked like zombies. It was sad really sad. This shouldn't happen. We send our kids to summer camps so that they can have something productive to do during the summer and the YMCA's mission statement says that they cultivate a safe space and this was the opposite," Cunningham said.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and evaluated the children, who ranged in age from 10 to 13. Officials said all were in stable condition.
One child was transported to University Hospital as a precaution due to a preexisting medical condition.
East Orange police said a suspect has been identified. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Police said the incident serves as a reminder for parents and guardians to talk with their children about the dangers of consuming food, candy or other products from unknown sources.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Orange Police Department at 973-266-5000.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
