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Grandmother arrested Wednesday after fentanyl ingestion by toddler in October

Officers responded to an unresponsive infant in October, who they took to the hospital. The child underwent testing, which showed traces of fentanyl in the child's system. According to authorities, the grandmother, Melissa Ann Johnson, left fentanyl on the floor where the child was able to get to it and ingest it.

Posted 2024-01-04T04:25:51+00:00 - Updated 2024-01-04T04:26:26+00:00

Grandmother charged after infant ingested fentanyl; child is with parents now

WRAL staff

Authorities arrested a grandmother Wednesday after an infant ingested fentanyl in October.

According to Roanoke Rapids police, the incident happened on Oct. 21.

Officers responded to an unresponsive infant, who they took to the hospital. The child underwent testing, which showed traces of fentanyl in the child’s system.

According to authorities, the grandmother, Melissa Ann Johnson, left fentanyl on the floor, where the child was able to get to it and ingest it.

Medical personnel treated the infant, who now lives with his parents. The family has since moved out of state since the incident.

Police filed charges against Johnson in November, and authorities took her into custody on Wednesday.

Authorities charged Johnson with child abuse with serious injury and set her bond at $25,000.