SIMI VALLEY, CA – A Simi Valley father has been arrested and charged with felony child endangerment after his young child was hospitalized due to illegal narcotic exposure.
Hospitalization and Arrest
The incident came to light on Friday, June 12, when Simi Valley police officers were dispatched to a local hospital. Medical staff had alerted authorities after a young child was admitted showing clear symptoms of fentanyl exposure.
Following a swift investigation, detectives determined that the drug exposure occurred while the child was under the direct care of his father. The father, whose identity is being withheld by police, was taken into custody and booked at the Ventura County Jail.
Child’s Condition and CPS Involvement
Medical personnel administered treatment, and officials confirmed the child was in stable condition as of Friday night.
While it remains unclear if other children were present or under the man’s care during the incident, police have notified Child Protective Services (CPS). The agency will launch an independent investigation into the welfare and safety of all children involved in the household.
Privacy Protections
The Simi Valley Police Department stated that they will not release the names or specific details of the suspect to protect the identity and privacy of the minor children, in compliance with California law. The investigation into how the child accessed the narcotics is ongoing.
