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Two Dutchess County women were arrested by state police after allegedly nearly overdosing on heroin in their car with a 1-year-old in the backseat.
New York State Police Troopers from Poughkeepsie were dispatched to the Garden Apartments on Route 44 in Pleasant Valley on Wednesday afternoon, following reports of two women who were unresponsive inside the vehicle with a child as the heat index was around the 90-degree mark.
Upon arrival, troopers found 38-year-old Poughkeepsie resident Tamara Ward and Pleasant Valley resident Jennifer Lasko, 40, unresponsive and not breathing inside the car due to a suspected drug overdose. Troopers proceeded to administer Naloxone to both women and removed the infant from the car, who police said was sweating profusely.
Naloxone blocks or reverses the effects of opioid medication, including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing or loss of consciousness, according to drugs.com. It is used to treat a drug overdose in an emergency situation.
Police said that Lasko regained consciousness and started breathing after one dosage. Ward remained unconscious after one dosage, and it took Pleasant Valley EMS paramedics an additional four doses before she regained consciousness. All three parties were subsequently transported to MidHudson Regional Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
According to police, during the subsequent investigation, it was determined that Ward had driven the vehicle from Poughkeepsie to Pleasant Valley under the influence of heroin.
Ward was arrested and charged with a felony count of aggravated driving while intoxicated under Leandra’s Law, criminal possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child, both misdemeanors. Lasko was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
The child was turned over to a family member after being discharged from the hospital.
After being discharged from the hospital, Lasko was issued an appearance ticket. Ward was remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond. Both are due back in Pleasant Valley Court later this month.
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