Duquesne, PA – A Duquesne man is facing serious criminal charges after his 11-year-old son was hospitalized for ingesting narcotics, authorities confirmed. The incident, which has raised concerns about child safety and household drug access, occurred earlier this month.
Child Hospitalized After Passing Out at School
According to a criminal complaint from the Allegheny County Police Department, detectives were contacted by UPMC Children’s Hospital regarding a juvenile who tested positive for a cocaine metabolite.
A social worker at the hospital reported that the boy was brought in on December 18 after passing out shortly after arriving at school. Hospital officials stated that the child’s parents signed consent for treatment but left the hospital immediately afterward.
Detectives later identified the individuals responsible and executed a search warrant at the family residence on the 900 block of Wool Avenue in Duquesne.
Parent Provides Statement to Police
During the investigation, police spoke with the child’s father, I’edoniae Cole, 32, who claimed that his son woke up “feeling off” on December 18. Cole said the child was given Tylenol and sent to school, where he passed out within five minutes of entering the building.
Narcotics and Weapons Recovered
After gaining consent to search the home, detectives reported recovering a large quantity of narcotics, including heroin/fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana, alongside drug paraphernalia. Officers also seized three handguns, including one previously reported stolen.
Investigators warned that the narcotics and weapons were accessible to multiple juveniles living in the home, posing a significant risk to the children’s safety.
Charges Filed
Cole is now facing multiple serious charges, including:
- Aggravated assault
- Possession with intent to deliver
- Endangering the welfare of children
- Receiving stolen property
Authorities stressed the gravity of the case, highlighting the dangers of exposing minors to narcotics and weapons in a household environment.
What are your thoughts on keeping homes with children safe from narcotics and firearms? Share your ideas, safety tips, or questions about child welfare and law enforcement intervention in the comments below.
