Man turns himself in after baby overdoses on fentanyl in Laurens
LAURENS, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Laurens Police Department said two people are facing charges after a baby recently overdosed on fentanyl.
On February 12, officers were called to a cardiac arrest medical emergency involving a baby on Gray Street. They found a 1-year-old in distress and quickly rendered aid before EMS arrived to take the baby to the hospital.
Investigators said the baby tested positive for fentanyl.
The child’s mother, 25-year-old Naja Simpson, was arrested. Police also charged the child’s father, 29-year-old Tyrist Johnson, following the incident. Officers confirmed that he turned himself in on Feb. 21.
A search warrant executed at the home led police to seize a gram of fentanyl, multiple scales, marijuana and ammunition. However, officers said they did not locate any firearms, which they found “deeply concerning,” and believe that Johnson may be armed, dangerous and on drugs.
Officials confirmed that the 1-year-old is okay and was taken into emergency custody with two other children who were in the house.
Johnson was charged with the following:
- Outstanding warrant for fentanyl possession (unrelated case)
- unlawful neglect of a child (3 counts)
- fentanyl possession
- Cruelty towards a child
- Failure to report child abuse
- Simple Possession of Marijuana
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- conspiracy
- Interference in an investigation
Simpson was charged with:
- unlawful neglect of a child (3 counts)
- fentanyl possession
- Cruelty towards a child
- Failure to report child abuse
- Simple Possession of Marijuana
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- conspiracy
- Interference in an investigation
“The Laurens Police Department is committed to pursuing justice for our community, especially when it involves vulnerable children,” the agency wrote on Facebook. “We have zero tolerance for such despicable acts and urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Simpson appeared in bond court on Wednesday morning where the judge set her total bond at $139,615. Johnson’s bond was set at $145,000 Wednesday afternoon.
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